Deflection of atoms by a resonant standing electromagnetic wave

Abstract

Deflection of an atom due to momentum transfer from a strong resonant standing electromagnetic wave is investigated theoretically in the limit of short atom-field interaction time. The translational and internal motions of the atom are treated quantum mechanically, while the field is treated classically. It is shown that momentum transfer from a standing wave to an atom proceeds at the induced or Rabi rate, rather than the spontaneous rate characteristic of radiation pressure. In a typical case, atomic deflections of order 1° are achieved with ${10}^6$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ field intensity in a time less than the natural lifetime of the excited atom.