Real-time detection of individual atoms falling through a high-finesse optical cavity.
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.
Mabuchi
H
H
Turchette
Q A
QA
Chapman
M S
MS
Kimble
H J
HJ