Polaron effect in waveguide quantum optomechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores how the quantized mechanical motion of atoms near a waveguide influences polariton modes, revealing a polaron effect that creates new band gaps and states, with implications for quantum optics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the resonant phonon-assisted mixing leading to a polaron effect in waveguide quantum optomechanics, a novel phenomenon in this context.

Findings

Identification of a resonant phonon-assisted mixing regime

Formation of new band gaps and weakly dispersive states

Potential for quantum optical applications via polaron spectrum

Abstract

We investigate the impact of the quantized mechanical motion of optically trapped atoms, arranged in proximity to a one-dimensional waveguide, on the propagation of polariton modes. Our study identifies a regime of resonant phonon-assisted mixing between lower and upper polaritons, resulting in a pronounced polaron effect. This effect is characterized by the formation of new band gaps and the appearance of weakly dispersive states within the original polariton band gap. The polaron spectrum, which can be directly probed via resonant elastic scattering, provides novel opportunities for quantum optical applications. These findings open avenues for enhanced control in state-of-the-art waveguide quantum electrodynamics experiments with cold atoms.