Single-atom detection with optical cavities

R. Poldy*, B. C. Buchler, J. D. Close

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    17 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We present a thorough analysis of single-atom detection using optical cavities. The large set of parameters that influence the signal-to-noise ratio for cavity detection is considered, with an emphasis on detunings, probe power, cavity finesse, and photon detection schemes. Real device operating restrictions for single photon counting modules and standard photodiodes are included in our discussion, with heterodyne detection emerging as the clearly favorable technique, particularly for detuned detection at high power.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number013640
    JournalPhysical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
    Volume78
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Jul 2008

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