Time-resolved observation of a dynamical phase transition of atoms in a cavity

Abstract

The transparence of a laser-driven optical resonator containing an ensemble of cold atoms can have two distinct, robust states. Atoms in their initially prepared pure state blockade the transmission by detuning the cavity mode from the laser drive. The interacting system can, however, transition into an uncoupled state via a non-linear channel opening up in a critical run-away process toward a transparent bright phase. The experiment enables a time-resolved observation of the dynamical transmission blockade breakdown phase transition as well as quantification of enhanced fluctuations in the critical region.