Giant Radiative Interactions Among Distant Atoms

Abstract

We examine the feasibility of enhancing the fundamental radiative interactions between distant atoms. We present general arguments for producing enhancement. In particular, we show how giant dipole-dipole interaction can be produced by considering dipoles placed close to micron sized silica spheres. The giant interaction arises as the whispering gallery modes can resonantly couple the dipoles.

4 figures included in the postscript file, to appear in "Current trens in Atomic and Molecular Physics", edited by R. Srivastava (Phoenix publishing House, New Delhi, India, 2001)