FIBERCELL

dipole-dipole interactions of Rubidium atoms close to nanofiber tips in home-built vapor cells

01/07/2016 to 30/06/2019

The ability to generate single photons on demand is one of the fundamental challenges of light-matter interactions. While many approaches are being pursued, an ideal single photon source has not been demonstrated so far. The proposed research project investigates a new system that is based on a metallic nanofiber tip inside a thermal gas of atoms. The tip is attached to a glass fiber which leads out of a home-built vapor cell. If an atom is at a sub-wavelength distance from the tip, the tip can collect photons that are emitted by the atom with high probability. The photons are guided via the glass fiber to a single-photon counter where we detect them. We will investigate the role of dipole-dipole interactions between atoms at the tip on the emitted light. These can lead to super- and subradiant states and have an impact on the photon statistics. We will test this approach for its use as single photon source. The technologies that are developed within the project will be transferred to an existing practical course on laser physics with the goal of increasing the possibilities of a research-based explorative learning. As the success of the practical course is based on its direct connection with research it will greatly profit from interaction with the PhD student working on the research project. The participating students will build their own vapor cells and do time-resolved spectroscopy with them, thereby developing qualifications that are important both for a career at the university and in industry.