Collective Quantum Beats from Distant Multilevel Emitters

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum beats in two distant three-level atoms coupled to a waveguide can be collectively controlled, showing enhancement or suppression depending on their separation and initial states, with a focus on non-Markovian effects.

Contribution

It reveals the conditions under which collective quantum beats are enhanced or suppressed, highlighting the role of interatomic distance and non-Markovian dynamics in multilevel quantum emitter systems.

Findings

Quantum beats can be collectively enhanced or suppressed based on atomic separation.

Interference properties depend on the distance modulo the beat wavelength.

Non-Markovian effects can enhance quantum beats beyond Markovian limits.

Abstract

We analyze the dynamics of quantum beats in a system of two V-type three-level atoms coupled to a waveguide. We show that quantum beats can be collectively enhanced or suppressed, akin to Dicke super- and sub-radiance, depending on the interatomic separation and the initial correlations between the atoms. In particular, the interference properties of the collective beats are determined by the distance between the atoms modulo the beat wavelength. We study the collective atomic and field dynamics, illustrating a crossover from a Markovian to a non-Markovian regime as the atomic separation becomes sufficiently large to bring memory effects of the electromagnetic environment into consideration. In such a non-Markovian regime, collective quantum beats can be enhanced beyond the Markovian limit as a result of retardation effects. Our results demonstrate the rich interplay between multilevel and multiatom quantum interference effects arising in a system of distant quantum emitters.