Probing quantum many-body nonlinear quantum optics with strongly interacting Rydberg-polaritons

• Grant number: 19/13904-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: February 01, 2020
• End date: January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Agreement: European Research Council
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Rothganger de Paiva
• Grantee: Rafael Rothganger de Paiva
• Host Investigator: Sebastian Hofferberth
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Denmark

Abstract

Classical nonlinear optics is, in essence, the modification of the optical properties of materials subject to intense light beams. Differently from linear phenomena, nonlinear effects can be used to make light interact with light. In optical sciences, an enduring goal has been the realization of nonlinear interactions at lower light powers. Therefore, the regime where photons strongly interact is the lowest achievable limit of light intensity. At this point, quantum properties of light and matter are of great importance, and we can call this regime, quantum nonlinear optics. Understanding nonlinear optics at this limit could improve the performance of classical devices and enable advances in the growing field of quantum information processing and communication. This is an experimental proposal in the field of nonlinear quantum optics.The setup aims for studying nonlinear quantum optics with the novel approach of exploiting the advantages of ytterbium to create a large, free-space medium in which many-body phenomena of strongly interacting Rydberg-polaritons can be investigated. Further, it is intended to explore the novel field of alkaline-earth-like Rydberg physics. (AU)