Superradiance in spin-JJ particles: Effects of multiple levels

We study the superradiance dynamics in a dense system of atoms each of which can be generally a spin-$j$ particle with $j$ an arbitrary half-integer. We generalize Dicke's superradiance point of view to multiple-level systems, and compare the results based on a novel approach we have developed in {[}Yelin \textit{et al.}, arXiv:quant-ph/0509184{]}. Using this formalism we derive an effective two-body description that shows cooperative and collective effects for spin-$j$ particles, taking into account the coherence of transitions between different atomic levels. We find that the superradiance, which is well-known as a many-body phenomenon, can also be modified by multiple level effects. We also discuss the feasibility and propose that our approach can be applied to polar molecules, for their vibrational states have multi-level structure which is partially harmonic.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figure

Optimal Stochastic Enhancement of Photoionization

The effect of noise on the nonlinear photoionization of an atom due to a femtosecond pulse is investigated in the framework of the stochastic Schr\"odinger equation. A modest amount of white noise results in an enhancement of the net ionization yield by several orders of magnitude, giving rise to a form of quantum stochastic resonance. We demonstrate that this effect is preserved if the white noise is replaced by broadband chaotic light.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Tunable negative refraction without absorption via electromagnetically induced chirality

We show that negative refraction with minimal absorption can be obtained by means of quantum interference effects similar to electromagnetically induced transparency. Coupling a magnetic dipole transition coherently with an electric dipole transition leads to electromagnetically induced chirality, which can provide negative refraction without requiring negative permeability, and also suppresses absorption. This technique allows negative refraction in the optical regime at densities where the magnetic susceptibility is still small and with refraction/absorption ratios that are orders of magnitude larger than those achievable previously. Furthermore, the value of the refractive index can be fine-tuned via external laser fields, which is essential for practical realization of sub-diffraction-limit imaging.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures (shortened version, submitted to PRL

Femtosecond Photoionization of Atoms under Noise

We investigate the effect of incoherent perturbations on atomic photoionization due to a femtosecond mid-infrared laser pulse by solving the time-dependent stochastic Schr\"odinger equation. For a weak laser pulse which causes almost no ionization, an addition of a Gaussian white noise to the pulse leads to a significantly enhanced ionization probability. Tuning the noise level, a stochastic resonance-like curve is observed showing the existence of an optimum noise for a given laser pulse. Besides studying the sensitivity of the obtained enhancement curve on the pulse parameters, such as the pulse duration and peak amplitude, we suggest that experimentally realizable broadband chaotic light can also be used instead of the white noise to observe similar features. The underlying enhancement mechanism is analyzed in the frequency-domain by computing a frequency-resolved atomic gain profile, as well as in the time-domain by controlling the relative delay between the action of the laser pulse and noise.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure

Optical Superradiance from Nuclear Spin Environment of Single Photon Emitters

We show that superradiant optical emission can be observed from the polarized nuclear spin ensemble surrounding a single photon emitter such as a single quantum dot (QD) or Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center. The superradiant light is emitted under optical pumping conditions and would be observable with realistic experimental parameters.Comment: 4+ pages, 3 figures, considerably rewritten, conclusions unchanged, accepted versio

Topological Quantum Optics in Two-Dimensional Atomic Arrays

We demonstrate that two-dimensional atomic emitter arrays with subwavelength spacing constitute topologically protected quantum optical systems where the photon propagation is robust against large imperfections while losses associated with free space emission are strongly suppressed. Breaking time-reversal symmetry with a magnetic field results in gapped photonic bands with non-trivial Chern numbers and topologically protected, long-lived edge states. Due to the inherent nonlinearity of constituent emitters, such systems provide a platform for exploring quantum optical analogues of interacting topological systems.Comment: 11 pages and 9 figures; paper updated to match published versio