[3] Univ Innsbruck, Inst Theoret Phys, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
[4] Univ Sussex, Sussex Ctr Opt & Atom Phys, Brighton BN1 9QH, E Sussex, England
来源:
PHYSICAL REVIEW A
|
2003年
/
67卷
/
04期
基金:
英国工程与自然科学研究理事会;
关键词:
D O I:
10.1103/PhysRevA.67.043806
中图分类号:
O43 [光学];
学科分类号:
070207 ;
0803 ;
摘要:
We investigate the optical detection of single atoms held in a microscopic atom trap close to a surface. Laser light is guided by optical fibers or optical microstructures via the atom to a photodetector. Our results suggest that with present-day technology microcavities can be built around the atom with sufficiently high finesse to permit unambiguous detection of a single atom in the trap with 10 mus of integration. We compare resonant and nonresonant detection schemes and discuss the requirements for detecting an atom without causing it to undergo spontaneous emission.