4,705 research outputs found
Vectorial light-matter interaction -- exploring spatially structured complex light fields
Research on spatially-structured light has seen an explosion in activity over
the past decades, powered by technological advances for generating such light,
and driven by questions of fundamental science as well as engineering
applications. In this review we highlight work on the interaction of vector
light fields with atoms, and matter in general. This vibrant research area
explores the full potential of light, with clear benefits for classical as well
as quantum applications
An experimental approach for investigating many-body phenomena in Rydberg-interacting quantum systems
Recent developments in the study of ultracold Rydberg gases demand an
advanced level of experimental sophistication, in which high atomic and optical
densities must be combined with excellent control of external fields and
sensitive Rydberg atom detection. We describe a tailored experimental system
used to produce and study Rydberg-interacting atoms excited from dense
ultracold atomic gases. The experiment has been optimized for fast duty cycles
using a high flux cold atom source and a three beam optical dipole trap. The
latter enables tuning of the atomic density and temperature over several orders
of magnitude, all the way to the Bose-Einstein condensation transition. An
electrode structure surrounding the atoms allows for precise control over
electric fields and single-particle sensitive field ionization detection of
Rydberg atoms. We review two experiments which highlight the influence of
strong Rydberg--Rydberg interactions on different many-body systems. First, the
Rydberg blockade effect is used to pre-structure an atomic gas prior to its
spontaneous evolution into an ultracold plasma. Second, hybrid states of
photons and atoms called dark-state polaritons are studied. By looking at the
statistical distribution of Rydberg excited atoms we reveal correlations
between dark-state polaritons. These experiments will ultimately provide a
deeper understanding of many-body phenomena in strongly-interacting regimes,
including the study of strongly-coupled plasmas and interfaces between atoms
and light at the quantum level.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures; submitted to a special issue of 'Frontiers of
Physics' dedicated to 'Quantum Foundation and Technology: Frontiers and
Future
Dielectric geometric phase optical elements from femtosecond direct laser writing
We propose to use femtosecond direct laser writing technique to realize
dielectric optical elements from photo-resist materials for the generation of
structured light from purely geometrical phase transformations. This is
illustrated by the fabrication and characterization of spin-to-orbital optical
angular momentum couplers generating optical vortices of topological charge
from 1 to 20. In addition, the technique is scalable and allows obtaining
microscopic to macroscopic flat optics. These results thus demonstrate that
direct 3D photopolymerization technology qualifies for the realization of
spin-controlled geometric phase optical elements.Comment: 6 figure
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