Quadrature noise in light propagating through a cold 87Rb atomic gas

TL;DR

This paper investigates the noise characteristics of laser light passing through cold 87Rb atoms, revealing quadrature-dependent noise and potential for generating squeezed light states.

Contribution

It provides experimental measurements of quadrature noise in cold Rb atoms and compares results with theoretical models to identify optimal squeezing conditions.

Findings

Quadrature-dependent noise observed in cold Rb atomic medium

Minimum and maximum phase-dependent noise measured as a function of detuning

Results suggest conditions favorable for producing squeezed light

Abstract

We report on the study of the noise properties of laser light propagating through a cold 87Rb atomic sample held in a magneto-optical trap. The laser is tuned around the Fg = 2 \rightarrow Fe = 1, 2 D1 transitions of 87Rb. We observe quadrature-dependent noise in the light signal, an indication that it may be possible to produce squeezed states of light. We measure the minimum and maximum phase-dependent noise as a function of detuning and compare these results to theoretical predictions to explore the best conditions for light squeezing using cold atomic Rb.