Temporal and Spatial Atomic Coherence and its Applications
Yuri Rostovtsev
Department of Physics
University of North Texas, Denton TX
Abstract
Quantum coherence is important for nonlinear optical properties of atomic and molecular media, as well as semiconductor nanostructures. The coherent effects lead to transparency of opaque media and allow one to enhance nonlinear optical effects. In the presentation we are going to discuss the temporal and spatial properties of atomic coherence, its role and fundamental limits, as well as possible applications.
In particular, we will discuss several examples of temporal coherence, such as opto-mechanical effects that introduce an additional phase to a coherent light field. This effect is accomplished via the motion of a cavity, which contains an ultradispersive medium. We have theoretically shown that this change of phase, due to the enhanced Fizeau effect, can be used to measure displacements as small as 10-17 cm/Hz1/2. This technique can be used to detect very weak forces, for example, the Coriolis Force. The spatial coherence will be discussed in relation with the developing of new coherent sources of radiation. We demonstrate the cooperative resonance that allows us to generate the coherent radiation together with simultaneous excitation of the atomic media.