Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 031018 |
| Journal | Physical Review X |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
Light-matter interaction is well understood on the single-atom level and routinely used to manipulate atomic gases. However, in denser ensembles, collective effects emerge that are caused by light-induced dipole-dipole interactions and multiple photon scattering. Here, we report on the observation of a mechanical deformation of a cloud of ultracold Rb87 atoms due to the collective interplay of the atoms and a homogenous light field. This collective light scattering results in a self-confining potential with interesting features: It exhibits nonlocal properties, is attractive for both red- and blue-detuned light fields, and induces a remarkably strong force that depends on the gradient of the atomic density. Our experimental observations are discussed in the framework of a theoretical model based on a local-field approach for the light scattered by the atomic cloud. Our study provides a new angle on light propagation in high-density ensembles and expands the range of tools available for tailoring interactions in ultracold atomic gases.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- General Physics and Astronomy
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In: Physical Review X, Vol. 12, No. 3, 031018, 07.2022.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Observation of Light-Induced Dipole-Dipole Forces in Ultracold Atomic Gases
AU - Maiwöger, Mira
AU - Sonnleitner, Matthias
AU - Zhang, Tiantian
AU - Mazets, Igor
AU - Mallweger, Marion
AU - Rätzel, Dennis
AU - Borselli, Filippo
AU - Erne, Sebastian
AU - Schmiedmayer, Jörg
AU - Haslinger, Philipp
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 authors. Published by the American Physical Society.
PY - 2022/7
Y1 - 2022/7
N2 - Light-matter interaction is well understood on the single-atom level and routinely used to manipulate atomic gases. However, in denser ensembles, collective effects emerge that are caused by light-induced dipole-dipole interactions and multiple photon scattering. Here, we report on the observation of a mechanical deformation of a cloud of ultracold Rb87 atoms due to the collective interplay of the atoms and a homogenous light field. This collective light scattering results in a self-confining potential with interesting features: It exhibits nonlocal properties, is attractive for both red- and blue-detuned light fields, and induces a remarkably strong force that depends on the gradient of the atomic density. Our experimental observations are discussed in the framework of a theoretical model based on a local-field approach for the light scattered by the atomic cloud. Our study provides a new angle on light propagation in high-density ensembles and expands the range of tools available for tailoring interactions in ultracold atomic gases.
AB - Light-matter interaction is well understood on the single-atom level and routinely used to manipulate atomic gases. However, in denser ensembles, collective effects emerge that are caused by light-induced dipole-dipole interactions and multiple photon scattering. Here, we report on the observation of a mechanical deformation of a cloud of ultracold Rb87 atoms due to the collective interplay of the atoms and a homogenous light field. This collective light scattering results in a self-confining potential with interesting features: It exhibits nonlocal properties, is attractive for both red- and blue-detuned light fields, and induces a remarkably strong force that depends on the gradient of the atomic density. Our experimental observations are discussed in the framework of a theoretical model based on a local-field approach for the light scattered by the atomic cloud. Our study provides a new angle on light propagation in high-density ensembles and expands the range of tools available for tailoring interactions in ultracold atomic gases.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85136163037&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevX.12.031018
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevX.12.031018
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85136163037
VL - 12
JO - Physical Review X
JF - Physical Review X
SN - 2160-3308
IS - 3
M1 - 031018
ER -