Microscopic theory of photonic band gaps in 3D optical lattices of ultracold strontium atoms

• Grant number: 13/26434-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: April 29, 2014
• End date: May 24, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Principal Investigator: Philippe Wilhelm Courteille
• Grantee: Philippe Wilhelm Courteille
• Visiting researcher: Nicola Umberto Cesare Piovella
• Visiting researcher institution: Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

We will develop a microscopic model to describe the scattering of light by atoms in optical lattices. The model has been already shown to efficiently capture Bragg scattering, spontaneous emission and 1D photonic band gaps (PBG). Starting from preliminary results obtained in one-dimensional optical lattice, we intend to investigate photonic band gaps in 3D optical lattices with different geometries of the unit cell, from the simple cubic or face-centered cubic to the more complex diamond cell.The advantage of the microscopic model is its extreme flexibility, since the spatial configuration of the atoms can be arbitrarily envisaged. Furthermore, the model suits very well for studies of finite-size, disorder and impurity intrusions effects. The study will be carried on in strong synergy with the current and planned experimental activities at IFSC, where an optical lattice with ultra-cold 88Sr atoms is under realization. (AU)