A Quantum Electrodynamic View of Superradiance as a Competition between Stimulated and Spontaneous Atomic Decay,
Abstract
A successive-approximation approach to the theory of superradiance is presented that establishes a connection between the quantum electrodynamics (QED) and semiclassical points of view. The basic postulate employed in the paper is that, to lowest order, the N-atom and radiation field systems will remain statistically uncorrelated in the course of their dynamical evolution if they evolve from an initially uncorrelated state. The authors comment on the relation between this result of QED and the Jaynes-Crisp-Stroud program of describing single-atom spontaneous emission semiclassically. They also comment, in view of the results of this theoretical approach, on the extent to which it is sensible to speak of superradiance in terms of the individula atoms engaging in both stimulated and spontaneous at the same time within the N-atom collection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0750005
Entities
People
- Kenneth G. Whitney
Organizations
- University of Rochester