Published May 2000 | Version v1
Journal article

Single atom in free space as a quantum aperture

  • 1. Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics, California Institute of Technology 12-33, Pasadena, California 91125 (United States)

Description

We calculate exact three-dimensional solutions of Maxwell equations corresponding to strongly focused light beams, and study their interaction with a single atom in free space. We show how the naive picture of the atom as an absorber with a size given by its radiative cross section σ=3λ2/2π must be modified. The implications of these results for quantum-information-processing capabilities of trapped atoms are discussed. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review. A
Journal Volume
61
Journal Issue
5
Journal Page Range
p. 051802-051802.4
ISSN
1050-2947
CODEN
PLRAAN

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
32060059
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Numerical Data
Descriptors DEI
MAXWELL EQUATIONS; OPTICS; QUANTUM MECHANICS; THEORETICAL DATA
Descriptors DEC
DATA; DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS; EQUATIONS; INFORMATION; MECHANICS; NUMERICAL DATA; PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Proposed descriptors and Free-text terms
quantum optics; quantum computing