Freezing light with cold atoms

• Published in: Contemporary physics Vol. 50; no. 5; pp. 587 - 599
• Main Author: Havey, Mark D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis 01-09-2009; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Anderson localisation; Anderson, Philip; Atomic physics; Atoms & subatomic particles; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Light; light localisation; Optics; Physicists; Physics; Quantum optics; Quantum theory; ultracold atomic physics; Quantum optics; Anderson localisation; Radiation matter interactions; Light localization; Laser beams; Ultracold atom
• ISSN: 0010-7514; 1366-5812
• DOI: 10.1080/00107510903024321

The impact of disorder and localisation in electronic conduction was introduced more than half a century ago by Philip Anderson. In a much broader context of disorder-mediated wave dynamics it remains an important research area, and surprises abound. Meanwhile, research in ultracold atomic physics has led to phenomenally detailed elucidation of properties, including changes in phase, of quantum degenerate Bosonic and Fermionic gases. For example, beautiful experiments have recently demonstrated, in quasi one-dimensional systems, Anderson localisation of matter waves. In this brief essay, we describe and discuss research on wave localisation in the context of ultracold atomic physics, with a particular emphasis on light localisation in ultracold and high-density atomic gases. Essential ideas are reviewed, along with the current experimental status of the field, and promising avenues for future research are discussed.