Light induced crystallization of cold atoms in a thin 1D optical tube

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that cold atoms confined in a one-dimensional optical fiber can undergo a phase transition to a crystalline state when illuminated with a laser above a certain intensity, revealing complex multiple stable configurations.

Contribution

It introduces a threshold-based mechanism for light-induced crystallization of cold atoms in a 1D optical fiber, including analysis of multiple stable solutions and pattern formations.

Findings

Existence of a critical laser intensity for crystallization

Multiple stable density and field configurations coexist

Conditions for the onset of long-range order in the system

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 for particles trapped along an optical nanofiber. We show that there exists a threshold pump laser intensity, above which the gas can be found in a crystalline, selfsustained order. In the nonabsorbing regime we determine the critical condition for the onset of order as well as the forms of particle density and scattered field patterns along the fiber above threshold. Surprisingly, there can coexist multiple stationary solutions with distinct density and field profiles.