Fock-state superradiance in a cold atomic ensemble

Abstract

A simplified theory for the wavepackets of the photons emitted during the read process of a quantum memory formed by cold atoms is provided. We arrive at analytical expressions for the single-and double-photon emissions, evidencing superradiant features in both cases. In the two-photon case, both photons are emitted in the same spatiotemporal mode, characterizing a superradiant emission of a Fock state of light with two excitations. Experiments confirm the theoretical predictions with a satisfactory agreement.