Quantum theory of the micromaser: Symmetry breaking via off-diagonal atomic injection. uri icon

abstract

  • We propose and analyze an experiment in which atoms in a coherent superposition of atomic states are injected into a high-Q maser cavity. We show that the symmetry of the field in the cavity is ''broken'' in the same way as results from a classical signal injected into a laser cavity. This broken symmetry can be detected by monitoring the atomic excitation of a probe atom. 1986 The American Physical Society.

published proceedings

  • Phys Rev A Gen Phys

author list (cited authors)

  • Krause, J., Scully, M. O., & Walther, H.

citation count

  • 119

complete list of authors

  • Krause, J||Scully, MO||Walther, H

publication date

  • September 1986