Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Single atoms on an optical nanofiber: a novel work system for slow light

K. Hakuta

Published Jan 8, 2008• 4 citations

Abstract

We discuss how subwavelength-diameter silica-fibers, "optical nanofibers", can open new perspectives for manipulating atoms and photons. We explore atom/photon interaction around a nanofiber using laser-cooled Cs-atoms. We show that single atoms on a nanofiber can work as an optically dense medium which may give a novel work medium for slow light through an optical fiber. Basic characteristics for single atoms on a nanofiber; spontaneous emission, single-atom trapping, photoabsorption, and quantum interference, are discussed.

DOI: 10.1117/12.772217

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