A stochastic rainbow caustic observed with cold atoms

Abstract

We report the direct observation of a novel type of rainbow caustic. In contrast to known examples, this caustic originates from a dissipative, stochastic process. We have observed this using cold ^{87}Rb atoms bouncing inelastically on an evanescent-wave atom mirror. The caustic appears as a sharp peak at the lower edge of the asymmetric velocity distribution of the bouncing atoms. The stochastic process is a spontaneous Raman transition due to photon scattering during the bounce. The results are in good agreement with a classical calculation.

4 pages, 4 figures, somewhat shortened version