Affiliation:
1. Fudan University
2. University of Science and Technology of China
3. Shanxi University
4. CAS Center For Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics
Abstract
We experimentally demonstrate tunable non-Hermitian coupling in an atomic-vapor cell where atomic coherences in different optical channels are dissipatively coupled through atomic motion. Introducing a far-detuned light wall in the reservoir between the optical channels, we decorate the inter-channel coupling term so that it can be switched from dissipative to coherent. The tunable non-Hermiticity is then confirmed through measurements of the inter-channel light transport where the light-wall-induced phase shift is directly probed. Based on the tunable non-Hermiticity, we further discuss an exemplary scheme in which our setup can serve as a building block for the experimental study of exotic non-Hermitian criticality.
Funder
NSFC-ISF
National Natural Science Foundation of China
National Key Research and Development Program of China
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials