Cooperative optical non-linearity in a blockaded Rydberg ensemble : doctoral thesis accepted by Durham University, UK / Jonathan D. Pritchard.

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Pritchard, Jonathan D.

Series:

Springer Theses, Recognizing Outstanding Ph.D. Research, 2190-5053

Springer theses, 2190-5053

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quantum optics.

Rydberg states.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (160 p.)

Edition:

1st ed. 2012.

Place of Publication:

Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This thesis describes the first demonstration of a cooperative optical non-linearity based on Rydberg excitation. Whereas in conventional non-linear optics the non-linearity arises directly from the interaction between light and matter, in a cooperative process it is mediated by dipole-dipole interactions between light-induced excitations. For excitation to high Rydberg states where the electron is only weakly bound, the dipole-dipole interactions are extremely large and long range, enabling an enormous enhancement of the non-linear effect. Consequently, cooperative non-linear optics using Rydberg excitations opens a new era for quantum optics enabling large single photon non-linearity to be accessible in free space for the first time. The thesis describes the theoretical underpinnings of the non- linear effect, the pioneering experimental results and implications for experiments in the single photon regime.

Contents:

Rydberg Atoms

Rydberg Atom Interactions

Atom-Light Interactions

Cooperative Phenomena

Experiment Setup

Results

Photon Blockade

Progress Towards a Single Blockade Sphere.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Originally presented as the author's doctoral dissertation to Durham University, UK.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

1-280-86160-6

9786613712219

3-642-29712-9

OCLC:

794177583