Scattering theory of cooling in optomechanical systems

Abstract

We present a one-dimensional scattering theory, arising from the optomechanical coupling of the motional degree of freedom of scatterers to the electromagnetic field. Multiple scattering to all orders is taken into account, and the result is a versatile model that can be used to describe a wealth of effects, including optical molasses and novel interactions between atoms and cavities that could potentially lead to optical cooling mechanisms applicable to a wide range of species