Interactions between atoms and electromagnetic fields are at the core of nearly all quantum devices, with applications ranging from building quantum computers and networks, communicating quantum information over long distances, and developing quantum sensors of increasing precision. The miniaturization of these systems is critical to increasing their modularity as well as improving the efficacy of light-matter interactions by confining electromagnetic fields in small volumes. Thus atom-field interactions at nanoscales become a pivotal aspect of understanding and designing novel photonic devices.
In this talk, I will discuss two specific challenges relevant to nanoscale quantum optical sys tems and ways to engineer them: (1) Fluctuation phenomena – Forces, dissipation and deco herence induced by fluctuations of the electromagnetic field limit the control and coherence of quantum systems at nanoscales. I will present an overview of ways to engineer fluctuation phe nomena in nanophotonic systems, and discuss specifically how collective effects can be used to tailor fluctuation-induced forces between atoms and surfaces. (2) Collective atom-field interactions over long distances – Distant correlated atoms coupled via waveguides can exhibit surprisingly rich non-Markovian dynamics arising from the memory effects of their intermediary electromag netic environment. I will discuss how such a system demonstrates collective spontaneous emission rates exceeding those of Dicke superradiance (‘superduperradiance’), formation of macroscopically delocalized atom-photon bound states and limitations on long-distance quantum information proto cols. These ideas pave way for building novel efficient light-matter interfaces and scalable quantum devices with long distance correlated quantum systems.
Joint Quantum Institute Seminars take place live each Monday during Fall and Spring Semesters, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, in Room 2400 of the Atlantic Building. University of Maryland affiliates may participate using Zoom. The Seminars are also simulcast world-wide on the Joint Quantum Institute YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/JQInews , which supports audience participation in the chat interface.