Localization of Light in High-density Ultracold Atomic Vapors

Old Dominion University Research Foundation, Norfolk VA

Investigators

Abstract

This proposes focuses on the measurement of the time, spatial, and frequency dependence of light interacting with a sample of ultracold Rb-87 atoms in the strong localization of light regime. Of particular interest is the time evolution of light emerging from such a sample, which can reveal suppression of classical diffusion and the onset of strong localization. Also described is a method of generating the internal atomic excitation necessary to produce resonant localized radiation-matter excitations within the dense vapor. The broader impact involves education, infrastructure and diversity.