Observation of stochastic resonance in directed propagation of cold atoms

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental observation of stochastic resonance in the directed propagation of cold atoms within a dissipative optical lattice, revealing how noise can enhance atomic transport under specific conditions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the first experimental observation of stochastic resonance in directed atomic propagation and provides a simple model explaining the underlying mechanisms.

Findings

Resonant enhancement of directed atomic propagation observed

Directed propagation occurs perpendicular to probe beam

Atomic density waves and optical pumping contribute to the effect

Abstract

Randomly diffusing atoms confined in a dissipative optical lattice are illuminated by a weak probe of light. The probe transmission spectrum reveals directed atomic propagation that occurs perpendicular to the direction of probe beam propagation. Resonant enhancement of this directed propagation is observed as we vary the random photon scattering rate. We experimentally characterize this stochastic resonance as a function of probe intensity and lattice well depth. A simple model reveals how the probe-excited atomic density waves and optical pumping rates conspire to create directed atomic propagation within a randomly diffusing sample.