Quantum Optics of Confined Systems

M. Ducloy

Stefan Weßel, Fabien Alet, Matthias Troyer +1 more

We study properties of ultracold bosonic atoms in one-, two-, and three-dimensional optical lattices by large scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the Bose-Hubbard model in parabolic confining potentials. Our results indicate that local properties of the atoms can be accessed by probing the system's response to local potential perturbations. Furthermore, we show how the formation of Mott insulating regions is reflected in the momentum distribution of the atoms, amenable to experimental detection. We disprove previous claims concerning the relevance of fine structure in the momentum distribution function. Furthermore, we discuss limitations of local density approximations for confined systems, and demonstrate the absence of quantum criticality due to the inhomogenous potential. Instead, we show that quantum critical behavior can be observed in flat confining potentials. Our results indicate that the experimental detection of the Mott transition in moderately sized optical lattices would be significantly eased in flat confinement potentials.

J. P. Woerdman, Daan Lenstra

Yue Wu, Xuechao Li

Abstract This paper systematically explores the third-order nonlinear optical properties and modulation mechanisms of a spherical quantum dot system confined by a Mie-type potential. We analytically solve the Schrödinger equation with Nikiforov–Uvarov method based on effective mass approximation to obtain the eigenenergies and wave function of the system. Subsequently, key third-order nonlinear optical parameters, including the third-harmonic generation (THG) coefficient, total optical absorption coefficients, and refractive index changes, are derived via the density matrix formalism. The results indicate that the nonlinear optical responses strongly depend on the geometric dimensions and the microscopic confinement parameters. By adjusting these parameters, effective control over the THG coefficient can be achieved. Furthermore, this study reveals the significant modulation effects of environmental factors. The synergistic influence of quantum dot size, confinement potential, and environmental interactions is systematically analyzed, providing a theoretical basis for designing high-performance nonlinear optical devices based on quantum dots.

H. J. Carmichael, Roy J. Glauber, Marlan O. Scully

Liang Li, Chengjie Zhu, L. Deng +1 more

We study electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and nonlinear pulse propagation in a resonant atomic gas confined in a microwaveguide. We find that the quantum-interference effect in this system can be greatly enhanced due to the reduction of the mode volume of the optical field. In particular, compared with atomic gases in free space, the EIT transparency window in the present confined system can be much wider and deeper, the group velocity of the probe field can be much slower, and the Kerr nonlinearity of the system can be much stronger. We show that a more efficient production of ultraslow optical solitons in the present system may be achieved with much slower propagating velocity and lower generation power. Features of EIT and pulse propagation in the present system are very promising for practical applications in optical information processing and transmission.