Abstract: | How do atoms radiate together? Although in general this is still an open question, addressing the problem of collective light-matter interactions in specific cases can lead to important insights and applications. In my talk, I will discuss how the collective optical response of a 2D array of trapped atoms renders it as a new platform for quantum science, with potential applications in quantum technologies. In particular, I will show how a dilute 2D array, comprised of even just a few dozen atoms, can perfectly reflect and scatter light, leading to the possibility of observing for the first time opto-mechanical phenomena at the single-photon level. Combining quantumcoherence with strong collective optical and mechanical responses, atomic arrays should open new ways in manipulating the quantum state of light and atoms, and to systematically study the quantum many-body phenomena of collective light-matter interactions.
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