Quantum effects at a dielectric interface

Valtteri Lahtinen, Mikko Möttönen

Stephen Mark Barnett

Martine Chevrollier, M. Fichet, Marcos Oriá +2 more

The atomic response to resonant light irradiation near vapor-dielectric interfaces is monitored via high-resolution reflection spectroscopy. One demonstrates that this Doppler-free spectroscopic technique yields a novel probe of atomic dynamics and QED atom-surface long- range interaction. It provides for the first time a spectral evidence of van der Waals attraction, and the method is intrinsically applicable to the observation of surface interaction exerted on excited atoms. Effects related with atomic excitation level, nature of the dielectrics, and atomic collisions are discussed.

Roy J. Glauber, Maciej Lewenstein

Mehrdad Mohebi, B. Jean-Jean, Jean‐Claude Diels

The reflection properties of an interface between a dielectric and a saturable dye solution are investigated. A simple phenomenological approach describes the switching behavior, including self-phase-modulation effects induced at the interface.

Michael E. Crenshaw, Charles M. Bowden