Deviations from thermal light statistics in ensembles of independent two-level emitters
Phys. Rev. A 114, 043710 – Published 8 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qh9y-ngmg
Abstract
We investigate the light statistics of an ensemble of independent motionless two-level atoms in a product state. In particular, we explore under which conditions the atomic ensemble produces light similar to that of a classical thermal source obeying the Gaussian moment theorem (GMT). We derive leading-order corrections due to finite-size and spin-coherence effects, providing a guide to the deviation from thermal statistics and the GMT. We discuss the validity of the corrections for atoms in either a pure or mixed state. Our results contribute to the understanding of the generation of thermal light by two-level atoms without interactions among the emitters.
