Observing random walks of atoms in buffer gas through resonant light absorption
Observing random walks of atoms in buffer gas through resonant light absorption
Using resonant light absorption, random-walk motions of rubidium atoms in nitrogen buffer gas are observed directly. The transmitted light intensity through atomic vapor is measured, and its spectrum is obtained, down to orders of magnitude below the shot-noise level to detect fluctuations caused by atomic motions. To understand the measured …