Atoms are prepared (magnetically trapped) in a particular internal quantum state |1〉 (Fig. 1a). The atom cloud is first illuminated by a coupling laser, resonant with the |2〉–|3〉 transition. With only ...

Yale scientists have uses acoustic waves to amplify light in a new type of silicon laser for photonic ICs, side-stepping the problem of silicon’s indirect bandgap. “Silicon’s intrinsic properties, ...

Exciton polaritons are hybrid light-matter quantum states arising from strong coupling, offering a unique platform for ...

A technical paper titled “Unlocking the monolithic integration scenario: optical coupling between GaSb diode lasers epitaxially grown on patterned Si substrates and passive SiN waveguides” was ...

Researchers have found a new mechanism that fundamentally alters the interaction between optically levitated nanoparticles. Their experiment demonstrates previously unattainable levels of control over ...

Electron and phonon are two fundamental particles (quasi-particles) of condensed matter and their interplay in single crystals can create many interesting physical phenomena, such as polariton, charge ...

It’s a rare person who can pick up a cheap laser pointer and not wield it like a lightsaber or a phaser, complete with sound effects. There’s just something about the “pew-pew” factor that makes ...

Two independent teams of physicists have overcome the restless nature of light and stopped laser pulses in their tracks. A proposed method, now in tests by a third team, may even make light pulses ...

The ability to stop light in its tracks by passing it through a cloud of ultracold atoms could lead to new techniques for optical storage Slow coach: Lene Hau with the laser system that her group uses ...

Lene Vestergaard Hau made headlines by slowing light to below highway speed. Now the ringmaster of light can stop it, extinguish it and revive it—and thereby give quantum information a new look Lene ...