Lasing and Amplification from Two-Dimensional Atom Arrays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that two-dimensional atomic arrays can achieve lasing and amplification through cooperative interactions, even with weak scatterers, offering new avenues for nanoscale coherent light control.

Contribution

It introduces an analytical theory showing lasing in 2D atomic arrays with arbitrarily weak scatterers, highlighting the role of cooperative atomic interactions.

Findings

Lasing can occur with arbitrarily weak atomic scatterers.

Cooperative interactions enable light amplification in 2D arrays.

The theory reveals a complex interplay between lattice and atomic resonances.

Abstract

We explore the ability of two-dimensional periodic atom arrays to produce light amplification and generate laser emission when gain is introduced through external optical pumping. Specifically, we predict that lasing can take place for arbitrarily weak atomic scatterers assisted by cooperative interaction among atoms in a 2D lattice. We base this conclusion on analytical theory for three-level scatterers, which additionally reveals a rich interplay between lattice and atomic resonances. Our results provide a general background to understand light amplification and lasing in periodic atomic arrays, with promising applications in the generation, manipulation, and control of coherent photon states at the nanoscale.