Research Area 11: ARO Special Programs/Short-Term Innovative Research (STIR) Program: Creating and controlling THz superradiance in an ultracold gas
Abstract
The research objective is THz superradiance radiation in an ultracold Rydberg gas. Unlike superradiance generated by lower level atoms, Rydberg atoms can be used to generate superradiance in a much broader frequency range. Specifically, we will focus on superradiance in the THz range. Two experiments will be carried out. First, the field suppression of superradiance will be investigated. Second, the atomic sample size effect will be studied systematically if time allows. The potential applications of this research are the following. First, superradiance can be used for detecting hidden objects and other army related purposes. Similar to the difference between lasers and incoherent light, or spontaneous light, lasers have much narrower band widths and better directionality than incoherent light, since photons produced by lasers have the same frequency and propagate along the same direction. Compared to Radar, superradiance produces coherent radiation like lasers, while radar produces incoherent emission or spontaneous emission of waves; therefore, superradiance s efficiency and directionality are better than Radar. This can be used to detect stars as well as their chemical components. Similar to Radar, the distance of a star from the earth can be detected by measuring the time that the electromagnetic wave takes to reach the star and bounce back to where it is emitted. By monitoring the percentage of reflected waves or the amount of absorption, the type of material can be detected. Second, the electromagnetic waves generated can be used for infrared imaging or THz imaging. Due to the better directionality, superradiance can be used to image objects, which are far away. The coherence of superradiance can allow us to do constructive imaging based on the phase of the waves, which will produce high-resolution images. Third, superradiance can be used for wireless telecommunications with better directionality compared to current wireless communication techniques. Therefore, superradiance allows long distance communications. Fourth, it was proposed that superradiance can induce ultracold plasma. Better understanding of the superradiance production will help us understand plasma better, and may allow us to predict or control space weather. Fifth, the electromagnetic wave detection developed during this research can help us detect the electromagnetic waves created by an unknown object. This research and the technologies developed during this research can be used to educate students, and promote science learning among the younger generations. In addition, the results obtained from this research can be applied to precision measurements, and other fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1610583
Entities
People
- Jianing Han
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of South Alabama