Quantum Optics with Cold Atoms

这一建议支持一项实验研究计划，该计划研究冷原子中的原子相干和干涉现象，并探索其在非线性光学和量子光学中的相关应用。这种方法是基于多能级原子与多个激光场的相互作用，从而导致电磁诱导透明(EIT)和光学非线性的显著增强。被限制在磁光囚禁(MOT)中的冷原子非常适合于这种类型的基础研究，因为MOT中的原子密度很高，并且原子经历了接近于零的多普勒频移。其目的是研究在低光强下表现为量子相干和干涉的非线性光学现象，并在相干制备的Rb原子中进行非线性光谱测量。具体的实验包括EIT表现出的巨克尔非线性、单光子能级的吸收光子开关、EIT增强的四波混频及其在光子存储和记忆中的应用、暗态退相干的实验量化以及EIT介质的时间相关响应。该计划为研究生和本科生提供与研究相关的教育和培训活动，特别是针对占佛罗里达国际大学学生总数65%以上的少数民族学生。

This proposal supports an experimental research program that studies atomic coherence and interference phenomena in cold atoms, and explores related applications in nonlinear optics and quantum optics. The approach is based on interactions of multilevel atoms with multiple laser fields that lead to electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and dramatic enhancement of optical nonlinearities. Cold atoms confined in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) are well suited for this type of fundamental studies because of the high atomic density in a MOT and the near zero Doppler shift experienced by the atoms. The objectives are to study nonlinear optical phenomena manifested by quantum coherence and interference at low light intensities and carry out nonlinear spectroscopic measurements in coherently prepared rubidium atoms. Specific experiments include giant Kerr nonlinearities manifested by EIT, absorptive photon switching at the single-photon energy level, the EIT enhanced four-wave mixing at low light intensities and its application in photon storage and recall, experimental quantification of dark-state decoherence, and the time-dependent response of the EIT medium. The program provides research related education and training activities for graduate and undergraduate students, especially for minority students, who make up more than 65% of the total student population at Florida International University.