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Collective quantum jumps of Rydberg atoms

Quantum Gases 2012-01-10 v1 Pattern Formation and Solitons Quantum Physics

Abstract

We study an open quantum system of atoms with long-range Rydberg interaction, laser driving, and spontaneous emission. Over time, the system occasionally jumps between a state of low Rydberg population and a state of high Rydberg population. The jumps are inherently collective and in fact exist only for a large number of atoms. We explain how entanglement and quantum measurement enable the jumps, which are otherwise classically forbidden.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.1109.6506,
  title  = {Collective quantum jumps of Rydberg atoms},
  author = {Tony E. Lee and H. Häffner and M. C. Cross},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1109.6506},
  year   = {2012}
}

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4 pages