Abstract
We find both the electromagnetic TE and TM transverse eigenmodes of an infinite cylindrical sample of two-level atoms. The TM modes are similar to those obtained in the “scalar photon” theory, while the TE series is new. The TE series possesses “anomalous modes,” which are absent in the TM series. We find the metric for the scalar product for the eigenfunctions in both series and numerically show the completeness of both these series. Using Fourier-like expansions of the initial excitation state of the atoms in these eigenfunctions, we are able to compute to arbitrary accuracy the polarization of the atomic state at an arbitrary time. We compare these accurate results with those obtained from the eikonal–slowly varying envelope approximation in space and find remarkable agreement in the results for a system which is initially weakly excited.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
