title: Real-time detection of individual atoms falling through a high-finesse optical cavity.
abstract: The enhanced coupling between atoms and photons inside a high-finesse optical cavity provides a novel basis for optical measurements that continuously monitor atomic degrees of freedom. We describe an experiment in which cavity quantum-electrodynamic effects are utilized for real-time detection of individual atoms falling through an optical cavity after being dropped from a magneto-optical trap. Our technique permits experiments that are triggered by the presence of a single optimally coupled atom within the cavity mode volume.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mabuchi
authors.forename: Q A
authors.initials: QA
authors.lastname: Turchette
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kimble