A Quasi-Continuous Superradiant Raman Laser with < 1 Intracavity Photon
Abstract
Steady-state collective emission from ensembles of laser cooled atoms has been proposed as a method for generating sub-millihertz linewidth optical lasers, with potential for broad impacts across science and technology. We have built a model system that tests key predictions for such active oscillators using a Raman laser with laser cooled atoms as the gain medium. The laser operates deep in the bad-cavity, or superradiant, regime of laser physics, where the cavity decay rate is much greater than the atomic coherence decay rate. Specifically, we demonstrate that a system of 10(^6) (^87)Rb atoms trapped in a 1D standing wave optical lattice can spontaneously synchronize and collectively emit a quasi-continuous coherent optical output, even when the intracavity field contains on average < 1 photon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA636727
Entities
People
- Dominic Meiser
- James K Thompson
- Joshua M. Weiner
- Justin Bohnet
- Kevin C. Cox
- Murray J. Holland
- Zilong Chen
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder