In an ensemble of atoms with long-range dipolar interactions between them, only one atom can be excited at a time. This 'dipole blockade' has now been observed for two single atoms positioned at macroscopic distances.
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Weidemüller, M. There can be only one. Nature Phys 5, 91–92 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1193
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1193
