Multiple scattering of light in cold atoms : from light localisation to plasma physics
Prof. Robin Kaiser (Institut Non Linéaire de Nice)

Cold atoms have emerged as interesting quantum system to study coherent transport properties of light. First experiments have established that dilute samples with large optical thickness allow studying weak localization of light. The present goal of this research is to study coherent transport of photons in dense samples. The quest for Anderson localization of light is among the most interesting questions currently studied.
If one uses an active medium, where gain is added, in combination with multiple scattering, new sitautions such as a random laser can arise.
Multiple scattering of light with cold atoms has other intriguing features.
Indeed the mechanical effects of the photons onto the atoms can be described with a Coulomb type long range interaction. We will discuss several consequences of this mechanical effects, including collective self-sustained oscillations of the cloud. These studies might lead to the investigation of plasma type physics with neutral cold atoms.
The above mentionned effects have been investigated in our group in Nice and will be presented in this talk