Quantum interference between Zeeman levels near structures made of left-handed materials and matched zero-index metamaterials

Abstract

Quantum interference between Zeeman levels of atom placed in the structure containing left-handed materials (LHMs) and zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs) is investigated. Because of the existence of the LHM and ZIM, dipole radiation becomes highly anisotropic which is embodied by the high contrast between decay rates of the dipole component parallel to the surface and that normal to the surface. Furthermore, both decay rates are suppressed compared with those in free vacuum. Therefore, we propose the quantum interference between Zeeman levels accompanied by long lifetime. Two structures are designed to achieve such purpose. For the idealized LHM and ZIM without dissipation, a double-layer structure comprised of them is the right candidate. However, when we consider the dissipation of materials, a Fabry-P\'erot cavity made of matched ZIM slabs and LHM slabs is required. Results show that we get a high degree of quantum interference and low decay rates simultaneously.