Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud
Atomic Physics
2017-10-25 v3
Abstract
We report the observation of the optomechanical strain applied to thermal and to quantum degenerate atomic clouds when illuminated by an intense, far detuned homogenous laser beam. In this regime the atomic cloud acts as a lens which focuses the laser beam. As a back action, the atoms experience a force opposite to the beam deflection, which depends on the atomic cloud density profile. We experimentally demonstrate the basic features of this force, distinguishing it from the well-established scattering and dipole forces. The observed strain saturates, ultimately limiting the momentum impulse that can be transferred to the atoms. This optomechanical force may effectively induce inter-particle interactions, which can be optically tuned.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1706.04851,
title = {Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud},
author = {Noam Matzliah and Hagai Edri and Asif Sinay and Roee Ozeri and Nir Davidson},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1706.04851},
year = {2017}
}