Collective Quantum Manipulation and Cooling of Atoms in An Optical Resonator

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project concentrates on the collective manipulation of internal and external degrees of freedom of atomic samples interacting strongly with an optical resonator. The indistinguishability of the processes associated with different atoms leads to entanglement between them, and can result in strong collective emission into the resonator. A method is proposed to attain spin squeezing on an atomic clock transition. The squeezed state reduces the readout noise to a value below the standard quantum limit, as will be experimentally demonstrated with two samples of cesium atoms inside an optical resonator. These studies will elucidate the relation between collective emission processes and light-induced forces. In the most favorable case, the collective-emission-induced mechanism will provide a new tool for manipulating polarizable particles, and significantly broaden the scope of laser cooling and trapping techniques. The proposed work will unite research and educational goals by training graduate students, and by involving undergraduate students in significant parts of the research effort. Particularly for undergraduate students, experimental firsthand experience with quantum mechanical objects will provide an important, motivating and rewarding educational component.