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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

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Published on: December 4, 2017

Emergence of an Epsilon-Near-Zero Medium from Microscopic Atomic Principles.

L Ruks¹, J Ruostekoski²

¹NTT Basic Research Laboratories and NTT Research Center for Theoretical Quantum Information, NTT, Inc., 3-1 Morinosato Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan.

Physical Review Letters

|December 19, 2025

Summary

Collective light scattering in atomic lattices can create a near-zero refractive index. This phenomenon, observed in simulations, enhances optical wavelength and has applications in quantum optics.

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Area of Science:

Atomic physics
Quantum optics
Condensed matter physics

Background:

Understanding light-matter interactions at the atomic scale is crucial for developing novel optical phenomena.
Effective-medium theories often simplify complex atomic-scale interactions, potentially obscuring emergent electromagnetic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate the emergence of a near-zero refractive index from collective light scattering in a discrete atomic lattice.
To investigate the underlying microscopic mechanisms responsible for this emergent optical property.
To explore potential applications in spectroscopy and quantum emitter manipulation.

Main Methods:

Utilizing essentially exact microscopic simulations to model light scattering in a 25-layer atomic array.
Analyzing the cooperative response of atoms to incident light.
Comparing simulation results with predictions from continuous effective-medium models.

Main Results:

Observed the emergence of an effective near-zero refractive index due to collective light scattering.
Demonstrated a thirtyfold increase in the effective optical wavelength within the atomic lattice.
Showcased near-elimination of optical phase accumulation.

Conclusions:

A near-zero refractive index can arise from first-principles microscopic interactions in atomic lattices.
This emergent phenomenon offers significant potential for advanced spectroscopic techniques and precise optical control of quantum emitters.
The study provides fundamental insights into how macroscopic electromagnetic behavior originates from microscopic atomic-scale interactions.