COMPLEMENTARITY AND YOUNGS INTERFERENCE-FRINGES FROM 2 ATOMS

The interference pattern of the resonance fluorescence from a J=1/2 to J=1/2 transition of two identical atoms confined in a three-dimension al harmonic potential is calculated. The thermal motion of the atoms i s included. Agreement is obtained with experiments; [U. Eichmann et al ., Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2359 (1993)]. Contrary to some theoretical pre dictions, but in agreement with the present calculations, a fringe vis ibility greater than 50% can be observed with polarization:selective d etection. The dependence of the fringe visibility on polarization has a simple interpretation! based on whether pr: not it is possible in pr inciple to determine which atom emitted the photon.