Light propagation effects in strongly interacting gases

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

The subject of quantum optics involves interaction of optical radiation and matter with the ultimate goal of observing and controlling non-trivial quantum dynamics. This is commonly achieved in systems of, e.g., dilute atomic ensembles. The fundamental question we are investigating is to what extent strongly interacting systems can be controlled, both, in principle and in practice. The proposed project involves related aspects of three separate topics. The PI will investigate the build-up of cooperative behavior such as superradiance and effects arising from it, specifically in the presence of coherent fields and multiple levels. Secondly, she will study nonlinear coherent interactions of light propagating in the presence of strongly interacting dipoles. She will, in particular, explore if such nonlinearities, mediated by molecular interactions, can be used to create coupling between single photons of the kind required for quantum information processing. A third part connects dipolar interactions with the properties of quantum coherence based negative- refraction materials. For all three projects the PI will concentrate on dipole-mediated interactions and nonlinearities.