Quantum interference for two atoms emitting a single photon (Orale)

Atomic fluorescence that accompanies the photodissociation of Ca2 molecules is modulated in time. This modulation was attributed to an interference between the fields emitted by the two atoms [1,2]. The effect of radiative resonant coupling between the atoms was considered to be negligible. It was suggested that the modulation of emission is analogous to the interaction of a single photon with two slits. However, the present article demonstrates that radiative resonant coupling is the main cause of the modulation, and the effect is not analogous to the interaction of single, space-time separated photons with two slits.Atomic fluorescence that accompanies the photodissociation of Ca2 molecules is modulated in time. This modulation was attributed to an interference between the fields emitted by the two atoms [1,2]. The effect of radiative resonant coupling between the atoms was considered to be negligible. It was suggested that the modulation of emission is analogous to the interaction of a single photon with two slits. However, the present article demonstrates that radiative resonant coupling is the main cause of the modulation, and the effect is not analogous to the interaction of single, space-time separated photons with two slits.

Journal de Chimie PhysiqueJan 1, 19970 citations

Quantum Interference Effect for Two Atoms Radiating a Single Photon

Philippe Grangier, Alain Aspect, J. Vigué

NATO ASI series. Series B : PhysicsJan 1, 19860 citations

Quantum Interference Effect for Two Atoms Radiating a Single Photon

Philippe Grangier, Alain Aspect, J. Vigué

We present experimental evidence for a modulation in the time-resolved atomic fluorescence light following the photodissociation of ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$ molecules by a pulsed laser. This modulation is due to an interference effect involving two atoms recoiling in opposite directions, while only one photon is emitted. The period of the modulation is equal to the time for the interatomic distance to increase by an optical wavelength.We present experimental evidence for a modulation in the time-resolved atomic fluorescence light following the photodissociation of ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$ molecules by a pulsed laser. This modulation is due to an interference effect involving two atoms recoiling in opposite directions, while only one photon is emitted. The period of the modulation is equal to the time for the interatomic distance to increase by an optical wavelength.

Physical Review LettersFeb 4, 198562 citations

Quantum Interference Effect for Two Atoms Radiating a Single Photon

Philippe Grangier, Alain Aspect, J. Vigué

Physical Review LettersMar 25, 19850 citations

We present experimental evidence for a modulation in the time-resolved atomic fluorescence light following the photodissociation of

{\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}

molecules by a pulsed laser. This modulation is due to an interference effect involving two atoms recoiling in opposite directions, while only one photon is emitted. The period of the modulation is equal to the time for the interatomic distance to increase by an optical wavelength.