Coherent Backscattering of Light by Cold Atoms
arXiv:physics/9911010 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.5266
Abstract
Light propagating in an optically thick sample experiences multiple scattering. It is now known that interferences alter this propagation, leading to an enhanced backscattering, a manifestation of weak localization of light in such diffuse samples. This phenomenon has been extensively studied with classical scatterers. In this letter we report the first experimental evidence for coherent backscattering of light in a laser-cooled gas of Rubidium atoms.
4 pages REVTEX, 1 page color image GIF, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett