Open AccessPrecise intensity correlation measurement for atomic resonance fluorescence from optical molasses
Author(s) -
Kazunori Nakayama,
Yutaka Yoshikawa,
H. Matsumoto,
Yoshio Torii,
Takahiro Kuga
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.006604
Subject(s) - optics , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , physics , intensity (physics) , resonance (particle physics) , resonance fluorescence , oscillation (cell signaling) , interference (communication) , atomic physics , fluorescence correlation spectroscopy , photon , fluorescence , chemistry , quantum mechanics , biochemistry , channel (broadcasting) , electrical engineering , engineering
We measured the intensity correlation of true thermal light scattered from cold atoms in an optical molasses. Using a single-mode fiber as a transverse mode filter, measurement with maximally high spatial coherence was realized, allowing us to observe ideal photon bunching with unprecedented precision. The measured intensity correlation functions showed a definite bimodal structure with fast damped oscillation from the maximum value of 2.02(3) and slow monotonic decay toward unity. The oscillation can be understood as an interference between elastic and inelastic scattering fields in resonance fluorescence.