What makes Bose Einstein condensates so effective at slowing/stopping light?

In summary, Bose Einstein condensates are extremely effective at slowing and even stopping light due to their unique properties. These condensates are created when a group of atoms are cooled to near absolute zero, causing them to lose their individual identities and become one collective entity. This allows them to behave as a single coherent mass, which is crucial in slowing down light. Additionally, the atoms in a Bose Einstein condensate have a special type of spin, known as a Bose-Einstein spin, which allows them to interact with photons and scatter them in a way that slows them down. This phenomenon has potential applications in quantum computing, telecommunications, and even the development of advanced optical instruments. Overall, the ability of Bose Einstein condensates to
  • #1
the riddick25
29
0
I was just wondering what properties of bose einstein condensates allows them to slow/stop light so well.
cant find much on the internet about it, tho i am probably looking in the wrong places, so if anyone could give me links that would be useful

Thanks


Also, this isn't homework, I'm just interested in the subject and have been reading up about it
 
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  • #2
For a simple answer ("It has an incredibly large index of refraction") see here:
http://www.jupiterscientific.org/sciinfo/slowlight.html

For a complicated answer ("The index of refraction varies rapidly near the resonant frequency of the two-photon Rabi oscillation.") see here:
http://www.pi5.uni-stuttgart.de/mitarbeiter/loew/LoewDipl.pdf (around p.19)
 
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What is a Bose Einstein condensate?

A Bose Einstein condensate (BEC) is a state of matter that occurs at extremely low temperatures, near absolute zero. It is formed when a large number of bosons, which are particles with integer spin, occupy the same quantum state and behave as a single entity.

How is a Bose Einstein condensate created?

A Bose Einstein condensate is created by cooling a gas of bosons to temperatures near absolute zero, typically using lasers and magnetic fields. As the temperature decreases, the bosons lose their individual identities and merge into a single quantum state, forming the BEC.

What are the properties of a Bose Einstein condensate?

A Bose Einstein condensate exhibits several unique properties, including coherence (all particles are in the same quantum state and behave as one), superfluidity (the ability to flow without resistance), and quantized vortices (regions where the particles rotate in a specific direction).

What are the potential applications of Bose Einstein condensates?

Bose Einstein condensates have potential applications in fields such as quantum computing, precision measurements, and simulating complex systems. They can also provide insights into fundamental quantum phenomena and have been used to study the behavior of superfluids and quantum gases.

What are the current challenges in studying Bose Einstein condensates?

One of the main challenges in studying Bose Einstein condensates is the difficulty in creating and maintaining the extremely low temperatures required for their formation. Another challenge is the delicate nature of BECs, which can easily be disrupted by external factors such as vibrations or magnetic fields. Additionally, there is still much to be learned about the properties and behavior of BECs, making them a subject of ongoing research and exploration.

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