Outgoing Photon Research Articles

A quantum trajectory picture of single photon absorption and energy transport in photosystem II.

We use quantum trajectory theory to study the dynamics of the first step in photosynthesis for a single photon interacting with photosystem II (PSII). By considering individual trajectories we are able to look beyond the ensemble average dynamics to compute the PSII system evolution conditioned upon individual photon counting measurements. Measurements of the transmitted photon beam strongly affects the system state, since detection of an outgoing photon confirms that the PSII must be in the electronic ground state, while a null measurement implies it is in an excited electronic state. We show that under ideal conditions, observing the null result transforms a state with a low excited state population to a state with nearly all population contained in the excited states. We study the PSII dynamics conditioned on such photon counting for both a pure excitonic model of PSII and a more realistic model with exciton-phonon coupling to a dissipative phononic environment. In the absence of such coupling, we show that the measured fluorescence rates show oscillations constituting a photon-counting witness of excitonic coherence. Excitonic coupling to the phonon environment has a strong effect on the observed rates of fluorescence, damping the oscillations. Addition of non-radiative decay and incoherent transitions to radical pair states in the reaction center to the phononic model allows extraction of a quantum efficiency of 92.5% from the long-time evolution, consistent with bulk experimental measurements.

Reflectivity and spectrum of relativistic flying plasma mirrors

Flying plasma mirrors induced by intense lasers has been proposed as a promising way to generate few-cycle EUV or X-ray lasers. In addition, if such a relativistic plasma mirror can accelerate, then it would serve as an analog black hole to investigate the information loss paradox associated with the black hole Hawking evaporation. Among these applications, the reflectivity, which is usually frequency-dependent, would affect the outgoing photon spectrum and therefore impact on the analysis of the physics under investigation. In this paper, these two issues are investigated analytically and numerically with one-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. Based on our simulation results, we propose a new model that provides a better estimate of the reflectivity than those studied previously. Besides, we found that the peak frequency of the reflected spectrum of a gaussian incident wave deviates from the expected value, $4\gamma^2\omega$, due to the dependence of reflectivity on the frequency of the incident wave.

Angular correlations in two-photon spectroscopy of hydrogen

In the present paper, we consider nonresonant corrections to $ 2s-ns/nd $ transition frequencies in hydrogen for the experiments based on two-photon spectroscopy. A detailed study of angular correlations of quantum interference effects within the framework of rigorous quantum electrodynamics is given. Closed expressions for the resonant two-photon scattering cross sections on an atomic level with dependence on all atomic quantum numbers including fine and hyperfine structure are derived. These expressions are applied for the description of experiments based on two-photon spectroscopy with fixing of incident (outgoing) photon polarizations. We demonstrate that for certain experimental geometry nonresonant corrections could be significant for the determination of Rydberg constant and proton charge radius.

Polarization studies on Rayleigh scattering of hard x rays by closed-shell atoms

We present a theoretical study on the elastic Rayleigh scattering of x-ray photons by closed-shell atoms. Special attention is paid to the transfer of linear polarization from the incident to the outgoing photons. To study this process, we apply the density-matrix formalism combined with the relativistic perturbation theory. This formalism enables us to find general relations between the Stokes parameters of the incident and scattered photons. By using these expressions, we revisit the recent proposal to use Rayleigh scattering for the analysis of the polarization purity of synchrotron radiation. We show that this analysis can be performed without any need for the theoretically calculated scattering amplitudes, if the linear polarization of the scattered light is measured simultaneously at the azimuthal angles ${0}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ and ${45}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ with respect to the plane of the synchrotron. To illustrate our approach, we present detailed calculations for scattering of 145 keV photons by lead atoms.

Importance of nonresonant corrections for the description of atomic spectra

We demonstrate that the present superaccurate measurements of transition processes between atomic states in a hydrogen atom reached the limit of accuracy when transition the frequency could not be defined anymore in a unique way. This was predicted earlier and is due to the necessity to include the nonresonant corrections in the description of resonant processes. The observed spectral line profile becomes asymmetric, and it becomes impossible to extract the value of transition frequency from this profile in a unique way. Nonresonant corrections depend on the type of experiment and on the experimental arrangement. However, the line profile itself for any resonant process can be defined with any desired level of accuracy. A popular trend in the modern search for atomic frequency standards and atomic clocks is the search for transitions where the nonresonant corrections are negligible. In this paper we present closed expressions for the resonant photon scattering cross sections on an atomic level with dependence on all atomic quantum numbers including fine and hyperfine structures. These expressions are given for different types of experiments with fixing of the incident (outgoing) photon propagation directions and incident (outgoing) photon polarization. Using these expressions we demonstrate that the transition frequencies in particular cases cannot be derived uniquely if the accuracy of measurement reaches the level quoted in Beyer et al (2017 Science 358 79). The definition of transition frequency suggested in Beyer et al may become unique with additional requirements to the process of measurement: the use of the ‘magic angle’ in an experimental arrangement and summation over all possible final states including the hyperfine sublevels. Our interpretation of the results of this experiment is alternative to the interpretation given by Beyer et al.

Efficient ion-photon qubit SWAP gate in realistic ion cavity-QED systems without strong coupling.

We present a scheme for deterministic ion-photon qubit exchange, namely a SWAP gate, based on realistic cavity-QED systems with 171Yb+, 40Ca+ and 138Ba+ ions. The gate can also serve as a single-photon quantum memory, in which an outgoing photon heralds the successful arrival of the incoming photonic qubit. Although strong coupling, namely having the single-photon Rabi frequency be the fastest rate in the system, is often assumed essential, this gate (similarly to the Duan-Kimble C-phase gate) requires only Purcell enhancement, i.e. high single-atom cooperativity. Accordingly, it does not require small mode volume cavities, which are challenging to incorporate with ions due to the difficulty of trapping them close to dielectric surfaces. Instead, larger cavities, potentially more compatible with the trap apparatus, are sufficient, as long as their numerical aperture is high enough to maintain small mode area at the ion's position. We define the optimal parameters for the gate's operation and simulate the expected fidelities and efficiencies, demonstrating that efficient photon-ion qubit exchange, a valuable building block for scalable quantum computation, is practically attainable with current experimental capabilities.

Photon spectrum and angle distribution for photon scattering with relativistic Maxwellian electrons

Description of photon scattering with relativistic Maxwellian electrons is numerically complex, and computationally time consuming for the final photon energy and angle distribution. A Monte Carlo method is used to simulate photon scattering with relativistic Maxwellian electrons. The main idea of this method is to transform the interaction of photonmoving electrons in the laboratory coordinate system into that in a new coordinate system in which the electrons are at rest, then to use the exact Klein-Nishina formula to describe this interaction and obtain the outgoing photon energy and angle, finally, to transform it into the primary laboratory coordinate system. In sum, there are eight steps, i.e.two two-dimensional (2D) transforms and two three-dimensional (3D) transforms and two Lorentz transforms, and two sampling. Repeating this process, summarizing and averaging all computed energy values and angles, the distribution of scattered energy and angle can be obtained.</br>A Monte Carlo processor is developed to simulate a photon of any energy interacting with electrons at any temperature. Some typical cases are simulated. The computed results indicate that the photon spectrum is different from that of the photon scattering with rest electrons remarkably, especially for a low energy photon scattering with the high temperature electrons. The main phenomena are Doppler broading and blue shifting. The moving electron can extend the distribution of the outgoing photon energy, and for a low energy photon scattering with the high temperature electrons, the photon maybe obtains the energy from electrons with significant probability. The angle distribution is very complicated, and it is determined by the incident photon energy, the outgoing photon energy, and the electron temperature. This processor can calculate the energy scattering differential cross-sections or energy-angle scattering double differential cross-sections, and provide the data in a tabulated form for other transport methods.

Hacking Alice's box in continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Security analyses of quantum cryptographic protocols typically rely on certain conditions; one such condition is that the sender (Alice) and receiver (Bob) have isolated devices inaccessible to third parties. If an eavesdropper (Eve) has a side-channel into one of the devices, then the key rate may be sensibly reduced. In this paper, we consider an attack on a coherent-state protocol, where Eve not only taps the main communication channel but also hacks Alice's device. This is done by introducing a Trojan horse mode with low mean number of photons $\bar{n}$ which is then modulated in a similar way to the signal state. First we show that this strategy can be reduced to an attack without side channels but with higher loss and noise in the main channel. Then we show how the key rate rapidly deteriorates for increasing photons $\bar{n}$, being halved at long distances each time $\bar{n}+1$ doubles. Our work suggests that Alice's device should also be equipped with sensing systems that are able to detect and estimate the total number of incoming and outgoing photons.

Observation of Three-Body Correlations for Photons Coupled to a Rydberg Superatom.

We report on the experimental observation of nontrivial three-photon correlations imprinted onto initially uncorrelated photons through an interaction with a single Rydberg superatom. Exploiting the Rydberg blockade mechanism, we turn a cold atomic cloud into a single effective emitter with collectively enhanced coupling to a focused photonic mode which gives rise to clear signatures in the connected part of the three-body correlation function of the outgoing photons. We show that our results are in good agreement with a quantitative model for a single, strongly coupled Rydberg superatom. Furthermore, we present an idealized but exactly solvable model of a single two-level system coupled to a photonic mode, which allows for an interpretation of our experimental observations in terms of bound states and scattering states.

Spin in Compton scattering with pronounced polarization dynamics

We theoretically investigate a scattering configuration in Compton scattering, in which the orientation of the electron spin is reversed and simultaneously, the photon polarization changes from linear polarization into circular polarization. The intrinsic angular momentum of electron and photon are computed along the coincident propagation direction of the incoming and outgoing photon. We find that this intrinsic angular momentum is not conserved in the considered scattering process. We also discuss the generation of entanglement for the considered scattering setup and present an angle dependent investigation of the corresponding differential cross section, Stokes parameters and spin expectation.

Particle acceleration by static black holes in a model of f(R) gravity

Particle collisions are considered within the context of f(R) gravity described by [Formula: see text], where R stands for the Ricci scalar and α is a nonzero constant. The center of mass energy of head-on colliding particles moving in opposite radial directions near the naked singularity or horizon are considered. Collision of particles in the same direction near the event horizon yields finite energy while the energy of oppositely moving particles grows unbounded. Addition of a cosmological constant does not change this feature. Collision of a massless outgoing photon with an infalling particle and collision of two oppositely moving photons following null-geodesics are also taken into account.

Double two-photon coalescence in a controlled propagation

The propagation, storage, and release of two quantized light fields in an optically dressed atomic medium in the tripod configuration are studied. Using the formalism of spinor dark-state polaritons, the probabilities are obtained of finding outgoing photons of two possible localizations and two possible types, i.e., having different frequencies or polarizations. An additional interaction at the storage stage is applied which modifies the atomic coherences due to the stored photons; this results in a modification of the states of the outgoing photons. The conditions are examined for the photons' spatial and type coalescence typical of the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, i.e., a zero probability of finding the outgoing photons having not only different localizations but also types. These results can possibly be observed in rubidium vapors.

Particle Collision Near 1 + 1-Dimensional Horava-Lifshitz Black Hole and Naked Singularity

The unbounded center-of-mass (CM) energy of oppositely moving colliding particles near horizon emerges also in 1+1-dimensional Horava-Lifshitz gravity. This theory has imprints of renormalizable quantum gravity characteristics in accordance with the method of simple power counting. Surprisingly the result obtained is not valid for a 1-dimensional Compton-like process between an outgoing photon and an infalling massless/massive particle. It is possible to achieve unbounded CM energy due to collision between infalling photons and particles. The source of outgoing particles may be attributed to an explosive process just outside the horizon for a black hole and the naturally repulsive character for the case of a naked singularity. It is found that absence of angular momenta in 1+1-dimension does not yield unbounded energy for collisions in the vicinity of naked singularities.

Multiphoton-scattering theory and generalized master equations

We develop a scattering theory to investigate the multi-photon transmission in a one-dimensional waveguide in the presence of quantum emitters. It is based on a path integral formalism, uses displacement transformations, and does not require the Markov approximation. We obtain the full time-evolution of the global system, including the emitters and the photonic field. Our theory allows us to compute the transition amplitude between arbitrary initial and final states, as well as the S-matrix of the asymptotic in- and out- states. For the case of few incident photons in the waveguide, we also re-derive a generalized master equation in the Markov limit. We compare the predictions of the developed scattering theory and that with the Markov approximation. We illustrate our methods with five examples of few-photon scattering: (i) by a two-level emitter, (ii) in the Jaynes-Cummings model; (iii) by an array of two-level emitters; (iv) by a two-level emitter in the half-end waveguide; (v) by an array of atoms coupled to Rydberg levels. In the first two, we show the application of the scattering theory in the photon scattering by a single emitter, and examine the correctness of our theory with the well-known results. In the third example, we analyze the condition of the Markov approximation for the photon scattering in the array of emitters. In the forth one, we show how a quantum emitter can generate entanglement of out-going photons. Finally, we highlight the interplay between the phenomenon of electromagnetic-induced transparency and the Rydberg interaction, and show how this results in a rich variety of possibilities in the quantum statistics of the scattering photons.

Theoretical Study of L-Edge Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering in La2CuO4 on the Basis of Detailed Electronic Band Structure

We study theoretically resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the Cu $L_3$-edge in a typical parent compound of high-$T_c$ cuprate superconductors La$_2$CuO$_4$ on the basis of a detailed electronic band structure. We construct a realistic and precise tight-binding model by employing the maximally-localized Wannier functions derived from a first-principles electronic structure calculation, and then take account of the Coulomb repulsion between d electrons at each Cu site. The antiferromagnetic ground state is described within the Hartree-Fock approximation, and take account of electron correlations in the intermediate states of RIXS within the random-phase approximation (RPA). Calculated RIXS spectra agree well with the experimentally observed features including low-energy magnon excitation, $d$-$d$ excitations, and charge-transfer excitations, over a wide excitation-energy range. In particular, we stress the importance of photon polarization dependence: the intensity of magnon excitation and the spectral structure of $d$-$d$ excitations depend significantly not only on the polarization direction of incident incoming photons but also that of outgoing photons. It is demonstrated that the single-magnon excitation intensity is maximized when the polarization directions of incoming and outgoing photons are perpendicular to each other.

The first search for sub-eV scalar fields via four-wave mixing at a quasi-parallel laser collider

A search for sub-eV scalar fields coupling to two photons has been performed via four-wave mixing at a quasi-parallel laser collider for the first time. The experiment demonstrates the novel approach to search for resonantly produced sub-eV scalar fields by combining two-color laser fields in the vacuum. The aim of this paper is to provide the concrete experimental setup and the analysis method based on specific combinations of polarization states between incoming and outgoing photons, which is extendable to higher intensity laser systems operated at high repetition rates. No significant signal of four-wave mixing was observed by combining a $0.2\mu$J/0.75ns pulse laser and a 2mW CW laser on the same optical axis. Based on the prescription developed for this particular experimental approach, we obtained the upper limit at a confidence level of 95% on the coupling-mass relation.

A Study of Compton Form Factors in Scalar QED

Deeply virtual Compton scattering has been proposed as a tool to study the structure of hadrons in an exclusive process. The Compton-scattering amplitude can be expressed in terms of scalar quantities, the Compton form factors. Their number depends on the spin of the target as well as the virtuality of the incoming and outgoing photons. For high values of the virtuality Q 2 of the incoming photon, these form factors are expected to scale with inverse powers of Q 2. In this paper these features are studied for a scalar target hadron.

A Non-Relativistic Look at the Compton Effect

In a usual modern physics class the Compton effect is used as the pedagogical model for introducing relativity into quantum effects. The shift in photon wavelengths is usually introduced and derived using special relativity. Indeed, this works well for explaining the effect. However, in the senior author's class one of the student coauthors of this paper, Sandeep Giri, asked what would happen if classical expressions for the electrons' momentum (mv) and kinetic energy [(1/2)mv2] were used. The first response given to the question was that the relevant energies were relativistic and hence this approach would not work. Further thought led to the realization that the electron receives only the difference in the energies of the incoming and outgoing photons. This left the initial conclusion in doubt and we began a serious look at what would the answer be. As a result of our analyses, we believe that the Compton effect provides the clearest pedagogical test for the need of relativity in the case of gamma ray scattering while allowing both the classical and relativistic results to explain the original x-ray results of Compton.

Two-photon transport through a waveguide coupling to a whispering-gallery resonator containing an atom and photon-blockade effect

We investigate the two-photon transport through a waveguide side-coupling to a whispering-gallery-atom system. Using the Lehmann-Symanzik-Zimmermann (LSZ) reduction approach, we present the general formula for the two-photon processes including the two-photon scattering matrices, the wavefunctions and the second order correlation functions of the out-going photons. Based on the exact results of the second order correlation functions, we analyze the quantum statistics behaviors of the out-going photons for two different cases: (a) the ideal case without the inter-modal coupling in the whispering gallery resonator; (b) the case in the presence of the inter-modal coupling which leads to more complex nonlinear behavior. In the ideal case, we show that the system consists of two independent scattering pathways, a free pathway by a cavity mode without atomic excitation, and a "Jaynes-Cummings" pathway described by the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian of a single-mode cavity coupling to an atom. The free pathway does not contribution to correlated two-photon processes. In the presence of intermodal mixing, the system no longer exhibit a free resonant pathway. Instead, both the single-photon and the two photon transport properties depend on the position of the atom. Thus, in the presence of intermodal mixing one can in fact tune the photon correlation properties by changing the position of the atom. Our formalism can be used to treat resonator and cavity dissipation as well.

Role of electronic excitations in magneto-Raman spectra of graphene

We investigate the signature of the low-energy electronic excitations in the Raman spectrum of monolayer and bilayer graphenes. The dominant contribution to the Raman spectra is due to the interband electron–hole (e–h) pairs, which belong to the irreducible representation A2 of the point group C6v of the graphene lattice, and are characterized by crossed polarization of incoming and outgoing photons. At high magnetic fields, this is manifested by the excitation of e–h inter-Landau-level (LL) transitions with selection rule n− → n+. Weaker Raman-active inter-LL modes also exist. One of those has a selection rule similar to the infrared absorption process, n− → (n ± 1)+, but the created e–h excitation belongs to the irreducible representation E2 (rather than E1) and couples to the optical phonon mode, thus undergoing an anticrossing with the optical phonon G-line in Raman in a strong magnetic field. The fine structure acquired by the G-line due to such anticrossing depends on the carrier density, inhomogeneity of doping and presence of inhomogeneous strain in the sample.