Atoms in an optical cavity: Quantum electrodynamics in confined space

Abstract Cavity quantum electrodynamics studies the behaviour of atoms inside a low-loss cavity. The composite atom–cavity system constitutes a new ‘molecule’ with radiative properties which differ radically from those of the individual components. For example, spontaneous emission becomes reversible, the spectrum splits into several peaks and the intensity fluctuations of the light transmitted by this novel ‘molecule’ are below the classical shot noise limit. In terms of practical applications, the system renders possible, first, the detection of single atoms with a high sensitivity and, second, optical bistability for a few atoms and photons only.