Collection efficiency of optical photons generated from microwave excitations of a Bose-Einstein condensate

Abstract

Stimulated Raman scattering of atoms with $\Lambda$-configuration of levels is a promising tool for transducing microwave photons to optical photons. We consider an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate whose large phase-space density highly amplifies the coupling to the microwave field. Due momentum transfer to the condensate, stimulated photon scattering can occur outside of the phase-matched direction, which can be used to separate the converted photons from the strong Raman readout pulse. Conversely, in the phase-matched direction, superradiant scattering due to bosonic enhancement leads to increased efficiency of the microwave to optical conversion. We determine the optimal conditions for the emitted optical photons to be collected into the guided modes of optical fibers.