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Generation of macroscopic superpositions in a micromaser

Journal Article · · Optics Letters; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.15.000233· OSTI ID:7004751
; ;  [1]
  1. Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721 (US)

At low temperatures steady-state macroscopic superpositions can be generated in the field of a micromaser pumped by a stream of two-level atoms injected in a coherent superposition of their upper and lower states. The onset of these superpositions resembles a second-order phase transition, with the control parameter being the ratio of the atomic injection rate to the cavity damping rate.

OSTI ID:
7004751
Journal Information:
Optics Letters; (USA), Journal Name: Optics Letters; (USA) Vol. 15:4; ISSN OPLED; ISSN 0146-9592
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English