Coherent light transport in a cold strontium cloud.
We study light coherent transport in the weak localization regime using magneto-optically cooled strontium atoms. The coherent backscattering cone is measured in the four polarization channels using light resonant with a J(g) = 0-->J(e) = 1 transition of the strontium atom. We find an enhancement factor close to 2 in the helicity preserving channel, in agreement with theoretical predictions. This observation confirms the effect of internal structure as the key mechanism for the contrast reduction observed with a rubidium cold cloud [G. Labeyrie et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 5266 (1999)]. Experimental results are in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations taking into account geometry effects.
Bidel
Y
Y
Laboratoire Ondes et Désordre, FRE 2302, 1361 route des Lucioles F-06560 Valbonne, France.
Klappauf
B
B
Bernard
J C
JC
Delande
D
D
Labeyrie
G
G
Miniatura
C
C
Wilkowski
D
D
Kaiser
R
R