Semi-classical Dynamics of Superradiant Rayleigh Scattering in a Bose-Einstein Condensate

TL;DR

This paper investigates superradiant Rayleigh scattering in a Bose-Einstein condensate using a semi-classical model, revealing the dynamics of collective atom-light interactions and their relation to Dicke superradiance.

Contribution

It introduces a 1D model that accurately describes superradiant scattering in BECs, linking experimental observations with theoretical understanding of atom-photon correlations.

Findings

Good agreement between model and experimental data

Dynamics driven by structures in light and matter-wave fields

Potential for exploiting atom-photon correlations

Abstract

Due to its coherence properties and high optical depth, a Bose-Einstein condensate provides an ideal setting to investigate collective atom-light interactions. Superradiant light scattering in a Bose-Einstein condensate is a fascinating example of such an interaction. It is an analogous process to Dicke superradiance, in which an electronically inverted sample decays collectively, leading to the emission of one or more light pulses in a well-defined direction. Through time-resolved measurements of the superradiant light pulses emitted by an end-pumped BEC, we study the close connection of superradiant light scattering with Dicke superradiance. A 1D model of the system yields good agreement with the experimental data and shows that the dynamics results from the structures that build up in the light and matter-wave fields along the BEC. This paves the way for exploiting the atom-photon correlations generated by the superradiance.