Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics
Collapse and revival in atom internal dynamics due to quantum translational motion
A. Zh. Muradyan, G. A. Muradyan
Abstract
Interaction of a lossless two-level atom with a monochromatic (classical) field of radiation is considered, as the atom initially possesses a translational state with a number of equidistant and discrete momenta. It is shown that the Rabi oscillations in such an atom evolve as a sequence of collapses and revivals, if the coupling wave deeply saturates the optical transition. Between revivals, the populations undergo subrevivals. Approximate analytical formulae are obtained taking the initial momentum distribution in the form of two shifted Gaussians or a Besselian. A possible experimental realization of such revivals is discussed.