How much time do atoms spend in the excited state while failing to absorb a photon?

Aephraim M. Steinberg

doi:10.1117/12.2637815

19 July 2022 How much time do atoms spend in the excited state while failing to absorb a photon?

Aephraim M. Steinberg

Proceedings Volume PC12243, Photonics for Quantum 2022; PC122430O (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2637815
Event: Photonics for Quantum, 2022, Rochester, NY, United States

Abstract

When a resonant photon traverses a sample of absorbing atoms, how much time do atoms spend in the excited state? Does the answer depend on whether the photon is ultimately absorbed or transmitted? In particular, if it is not absorbed, does it cause atoms to spend any time in the excited state at all? In a recent experiment probing single-photon–level optical nonlinearities [PRX Quantum 3, 010314 (2022)], we attempted to measure this time, and found a result which at first surprised us. I will describe this measurement, and more recent theoretical work which attempts to explain our observation. The theory makes further counter-intuitive predictions which we are planning to test experimentally. I will discuss the relationship of these times with other related effects and timescales.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Aephraim M. Steinberg "How much time do atoms spend in the excited state while failing to absorb a photon?", Proc. SPIE PC12243, Photonics for Quantum 2022, PC122430O (19 July 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2637815

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