Quantum Optics with One Atom in an Optical Cavity

Abstract

The quantum mechanical master equation for a single two-level atom in a single-mode optical cavity is numerically solved in both the quantum and the semiclassical limits. The quantum limit of few cavity photons shows semiclassically forbidden behaviour such as steady state two-level population inversion. Qualitatively new fluorescent spectra, having sidebands broadened by the cavity interaction, also occur. The quantum theory of the single-atom laser with injected signal is presented. At the interface between its quantum and semiclassical dynamics we elucidate the signature of semiclassical limit cycles.