Probing quantum cores of optical vortices with atoms

Joerg B. Goette, Mark R. Dennis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Optical vortices are points of zero intensity in a two dimensional, classical optical field. As first discussed by Berry and Dennis [Berry, M. V. and Dennis, M. R., "Quantum cores of optical phase singularities" Journal of Optics A 6, S178-S180 (2004)] these singularities are replaced by 'quantum cores' in a deeper level of description. In a fully quantized theory of optical fields an excited atom trapped at the singularity can emit light spontaneously and hence soften the perfect zero of an optical vortex. More recently Barnett [Barnett, S. M., "On the quantum cores of a optical vortex," Journal of Modern Optics 55, 2279-2292 (2008)] presented a more realistic analysis of quantum cores which accounts for the effect of the trapping potential on the transition dynamics inside a vortex core. Here, we revisit the scenario of emission near an optical vortex in the realistic setting of Barnett.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOMPLEX LIGHT AND OPTICAL FORCES V
EditorsDL Andrews, EJ Galvez, J Gluckstad
Place of PublicationBELLINGHAM
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Pages-
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)978-0-81948-487-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
EventConference on Complex Light and Optical Forces V - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 26 Jan 201127 Jan 2011

Conference

ConferenceConference on Complex Light and Optical Forces V
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period26/01/1127/01/11

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