Published May 2000 | Version Accepted Version + Published
Journal Article Open

Single atom in free space as a quantum aperture

Abstract

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.

Additional Information

© 2000 The American Physical Society. Received 6 January 2000; published 31 March 2000. We thank R. Legere for discussions. The work of H.J.K. is supported by the Division of Chemical Science, Office of Basic Energy Science, Office of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. S.J.vE. is funded by DARPA through the QUIC (Quantum Information and Computing) program administered by the U.S. Army Research Office, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research.

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Accepted Version - 9908082.pdf

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Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
2679
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:ENKpra00

Related works

Funding

Department of Energy (DOE)
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Army Research Office (ARO)
NSF
Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Dates

Created
2006-04-16
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Updated
2021-11-08
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