Localization of Superradiance near a Photonic Band Gap

Abstract

We describe collective spontaneous emission of $N$ two-level atoms placed within a photonic band-gap material. When the atomic resonance frequency lies at the band edge, superradiant emission remains localized in the vicinity of the atoms. This leads to a steady state with spontaneously broken symmetry in which the atomic system acquires a macroscopic polarization. The superradiant decay rate is proportional to $N^{2/3}$ and $N^2$ for isotropic and anisotropic 3D band gaps, respectively. The corresponding peak intensity of superradiance is proportional to $N^{5/3}$ and $N^3$, respectively.