On‐Chip Light–Atom Interactions: Physics and Applications

Abstract

The large volumes induced by complex free‐space optical paths pose a challenge to quantum precision measurement and optical communication in traditional optics. Meanwhile, on‐chip integration is an important requirement for quantum technology. To simplify complicated optical systems, the development of miniaturized and integrated devices with a variety of structures, such as optical waveguide, microcavity, photonic crystal, and metasurface, has attracted increasing attention. Herein, on‐chip light–atom interactions affected by these nanostructures from the aspects of recent advancement in their physics and applications are reviewed. In recent years, different nanostructures are used to realize the functions of macro‐optical systems. The structural characteristics, interaction mechanisms, and main achievements in terms of the applications of the corresponding devices are demonstrated and compared. Finally, the research trends and challenges as well as the scope for future work are discussed.

Keywords

• atoms
• nanophotonics
• on-chip light–atom interactions