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Single atom in free space as a quantum aperture - art. no. 051802

Authors

van Enk, SJ Kimble, HJ

Citation

Sj. Van Enk et Hj. Kimble, Single atom in free space as a quantum aperture - art. no. 051802, PHYS REV A, 6105(5), 2000, pp. 1802

Citations number

Categorie Soggetti

Physics

Journal title

PHYSICAL REVIEW A

ISSN journal

10502947 → ACNP

Volume

6105

Issue

Year of publication

2000

Database

ISI

SICI code

1050-2947(200005)6105:5<1802:SAIFSA>2.0.ZU;2-8

Abstract

We calculate exact three-dimensional solutions of Maxwell equations corresp onding to strongly focused light beams, and study their interaction with a single atom in free space. We show how the naive picture of the atom as an absorber with a size given by its radiative cross section sigma=3 lambda(2) /2 pi must be modified. The implications of these results for quantum-infor mation-processing capabilities of trapped atoms are discussed.