Light scattering by arrays of ultracold atoms with sub-walength spacing
Ultracold atoms offer a unique platform to study the interaction of near-resonant light with an ensemble of resonant emitters. Our experiments probe an ensemble of alkali atoms cooled to a temperature where the inhomogeneous Doppler broadening is negligible and a two-level system can be isolated, so that cooperative scattering effects take place. We study in particular the dense regime where the interatomic distance is shorter than the wavelength of the light. In this regime the atoms interact strongly via the resonant dipole-dipole interactions, and their collective response is significantly modified with respect to the individual one. The geometrical arrangement plays in addition a crucial role in the enhancement of cooperative effects. We will present our recent experimental progress towards tailoring atomic ensembles with sub-wavelength interatomic distance, as well as perspectives in the short term for light-matter interaction experiments in such ensembles.