Sensing multiatom networks in cavities via photon-induced excitation resonance

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a single-photon excitation distributes in a multi-atom network within a cavity, revealing photon-induced trapping resonances that enable precise sensing of atomic arrangements and disorder.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of photon-induced many-atom trapped excitation (PIMATE) and demonstrates its potential for highly accurate sensing of atomic networks and disorder.

Findings

Partial trapping of excitation near the initially excited atom.

Resonances at crossing points of photon-dressed energy eigenvalues.

PIMATE enables effective sensing of atomic positions and disorder.

Abstract

We explore the distribution in space and time of a single-photon excitation shared by a network of dipole-dipole interacting atoms that are also coupled to a common photonic field mode. Time-averaged distributions reveal partial trapping of the excitation near the initially excited atom. This trapping is associated with resonances of the excitation at crossing points of the photon-dressed energy eigenvalues of the network. The predicted photon-induced many-atom trapped excitation (PIMATE) is sensitive to atomic position disorder which broadens the excitation resonances and transforms them to avoided crossings. PIMATE is shown to allow highly effective and accurate sensing of multi-atom networks and their disorder.