Dicke-model simulation via cavity-assisted Raman transitions
Zhiqiang Zhang, Chern Hui Lee, Ravi Kumar, K. J. Arnold, Stuart J. Masson, Arne L. Grimsmo, A. S. Parkins, M. D. Barrett · Physical Review A · 2018
The Dicke model is of fundamental importance in quantum mechanics for understanding the collective behavior of atoms coupled to a single electromagnetic mode. Here, we demonstrate a Dicke-model simulation via cavity-assisted Raman transitions in a configuration using counterpropagating laser beams. The observations indicate that motional effects should be included to fully account for the results. These results are contrary to experiments using single-beam and copropagating configurations. We give a theoretical description that accounts for the beam geometries used in the experiments and indicates the potential role of motional effects. In particular, a model is given that highlights the influence of Doppler broadening on the observed phase-transition thresholds.