Research / 03
Quantum optics.
Collective light scattering by
ordered arrays of atoms.
Left: incident light · Centre: an ordered layer of atoms · Right: collective optical response
The central question
Can an atomic layer
become an optical element?
Arranging atoms at subwavelength distances changes the way they scatter light. Their response becomes collective, opening a route to optical elements built from individual quantum emitters.
Our rubidium quantum gas microscope provides access to this regime. Work with these arrays includes a subradiant atomic mirror and an array whose response can be switched by a single Rydberg atom.
Visit the rubidium experimentSpatial order
How does the arrangement of atoms shape their interaction with light?
Collective response
How does a many-atom system radiate differently from a single atom?
Quantum control
How can an individual excitation change the optical response of an array?
Selected work
Publications.
A subwavelength atomic array switched by a single Rydberg atom
Nature Physics 19, 714–719 · Read the paper
A subradiant optical mirror formed by a single structured atomic layer
Nature 583, 369–374 · Read the paper
Related research
Quantum optics
in context.
Quantum optics is one of four research themes, alongside quantum many-body physics, quantum simulation and computing, and dipolar quantum matter.
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