Cooperative resonances in light scattering from two-dimensional atomic arrays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how two-dimensional atomic arrays can be engineered to act as nearly perfect mirrors by exploiting cooperative surface resonances, with potential applications in metasurfaces and quantum optics.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of tailoring light scattering in 2D atomic arrays through lattice constant adjustments to achieve near-perfect reflection.

Findings

Arrays can serve as nearly perfect mirrors for various incident angles and frequencies.

Surface modes in the arrays support cooperative resonances that enhance reflectivity.

Potential for practical applications in metasurfaces and quantum technologies.

Abstract

We consider light scattering off a two-dimensional (2D) dipolar array and show how it can be tailored by properly choosing the lattice constant of the order of the incident wavelength. In particular, we demonstrate that such arrays can operate as nearly perfect mirrors for a wide range of incident angles and frequencies close to the individual atomic resonance. These results can be understood in terms of the cooperative resonances of the surface modes supported by the 2D array. Experimental realizations are discussed, using ultracold arrays of trapped atoms and excitons in 2D semiconductor materials, as well as potential applications ranging from atomically thin metasurfaces to single photon nonlinear optics and nanomechanics.