Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Matzliah, Noam, Edri, Hagai, Sinay, Asif, Ozeri, Roee, Davidson, Nir
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 17.10.2017
• Subjects: Clouds; Dipoles; Laser beams; Particle interactions; Physics - Atomic Physics
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1706.04851

We report the observation of the optomechanical strain applied to thermal and to quantum degenerate \(^{87}\text{Rb}\) atomic clouds when illuminated by an intense, far detuned homogenous laser beam. In this regime the atomic cloud acts as a lens which focuses the laser beam. As a back action, the atoms experience a force opposite to the beam deflection, which depends on the atomic cloud density profile. We experimentally demonstrate the basic features of this force, distinguishing it from the well-established scattering and dipole forces. The observed strain saturates, ultimately limiting the momentum impulse that can be transferred to the atoms. This optomechanical force may effectively induce inter-particle interactions, which can be optically tuned.