Calculation of the Cavity Dwell Times of Eventually Reflected and Transmitted Photons Using Quantum Weak Values, to Model an Atomic Cloud

Amal, V. S. (2022) Calculation of the Cavity Dwell Times of Eventually Reflected and Transmitted Photons Using Quantum Weak Values, to Model an Atomic Cloud. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS dissertation of Amal V. S. (17MS140)) 17MS140_Thesis_file.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (4MB)

Abstract

The time spent by photons in a cavity is calculated using quantum weak values. These photons eventually get reflected or transmitted to either side of the cavity. The time spent by the photons in the cavity, given that one of these outcomes happens, is calculated. For this purpose, the weak value, which results from a weak measurement on a post-selected sub-ensemble, is a handy tool. These results are then compared to a model of an atomic cloud by Prof. HowardWiseman. The time atoms spend in the excited state due to photons that eventually get scattered or transmitted through the atomic cloud is calculated using weak values. In particular, the excitation time of atoms due to transmitted photons is the case of interest. It is usually thought that the excitation of the atom implies that the exciting photon gets scattered and will not just get transmitted through the cloud. It is found that the cavity dwell times match the atomic excitation times for low values of the peak/resonant optical depth of the atomic cloud. In some regimes of parameters, negative cavity dwell times are obtained, which is also the case with atomic excitation times. The implications of these results are discussed.

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