Dynamics of spontaneous emission in a single-end photonic waveguide

TL;DR

This paper explores how a two-level atom coupled to a semi-infinite waveguide exhibits non-exponential decay and can form bound states, with potential control over photon emission via atomic frequency shifts.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum microscopic model demonstrating long-lived atomic decay and bound states in a semi-infinite waveguide with a perfect mirror, revealing new control mechanisms.

Findings

Non-exponential, long-lived atomic decay observed.

Formation of atom-photon bound states in the interspace.

Emission revival triggered by atomic frequency shifts.

Abstract

We investigate the spontaneous emission of a two-level system, e.g. an atom or atomlike object, coupled to a single-end, i.e., semi-infinite, one-dimensional photonic waveguide such that one end behaves as a perfect mirror while light can pass through the opposite end with no back-reflection. Through a quantum microscopic model we show that such geometry can cause non-exponential and long-lived atomic decay. Under suitable conditions, a bound atom-photon stationary state appears in the atom-mirror interspace so as to trap a considerable amount of initial atomic excitation. Yet, this can be released by applying an atomic frequency shift causing a revival of photon emission. The resilience of such effects to typical detrimental factors is analyzed.