Three-photon correlations in a strongly driven atom-cavity system

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Jul 8;107(2):023601. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.023601. Epub 2011 Jul 6.

Abstract

The quantum dynamics of a strongly driven, strongly coupled single-atom-cavity system is studied by evaluating time-dependent second- and third-order correlations of the emitted photons. The coherent energy exchange, first, between the atom and the cavity mode, and second, between the atom-cavity system and the driving laser, is observed. Three-photon detections show an asymmetry in time, a consequence of the breakdown of detailed balance. The results are in good agreement with theory and are a first step towards the control of a quantum trajectory at larger driving strength.