title: Light-induced crystallization of cold atoms in a 1D optical trap.
abstract: Collective off-resonant scattering of coherent light by a cold gas induces long-range interactions via interference of light scattered by different particles. In a 1D configuration, these interactions grow particularly strong by coupling the particles via an optical nanofiber. Above a threshold pump laser intensity, we predict a phase transition from a homogeneous density to a self-sustained crystalline order. In the dispersive regime, we determine the critical condition for the onset of order as well as the forms of gas density and electric field patterns above threshold. Surprisingly, there can coexist multiple ordered states with distinct appearances.
authors: Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
authors: Tobias
authors: T
authors: Grießer
authors: Helmut
authors: H
authors: Ritsch
mesh_terms: D003460:Crystallization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D008956:Models, Chemical; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D012542:Scattering, Radiation