Single Photon Subradiance: Quantum Control of Spontaneous Emission and Ultrafast Readout
Marlan O. Scully
Recent work has shown that collective single photon emission from an ensemble of resonate two-level atoms, i.e., single photon superradiance, is a rich field of study. The present Letter addresses the flip side of superradiance, i.e., subradiance. Single photon subradiant states are potentially stable against collective spontaneous emission and can have ultrafast readout. In particular it is shown how many atom collective effects provide a new way to control spontaneous emission by preparing and switching between subradiant and superradiant states.
arXiv:1505.03073•Physical Review Letters•Dec 8, 2015•176 citations