Correlation in superradiance: A closed-form approach to cooperative effects

S. F. Yelin, M. Kostrun, Tun Wang, M. Fleischhauer

Published 2005-09-26Version 1

We have developed a novel method to describe superradiance and related cooperative and collective effects in a closed form. Using the method we derive a two-atom master equation in which any complexity of atomic levels, semiclassical coupling fields and quantum fluctuations in the fields can be included, at least in principle. As an example, we consider the dynamics of an initially inverted two-level system and show how even such in a simple system phenomena such as the initial radiation burst or broadening due to dipole-dipole interactions occur, but it is also possible to estimate the population of the subradiant state during the radiative decay. Finally, we find that correlation only, not entanglement is responsible for superradiance.