We study the dynamics of a single control atom and an atomic sample interacting with a nonresonant cavity mode. The control atom is driven by an auxiliary classical field. Under certain conditions, the coherent energy exchange between the control atom and the atomic sample induced by the cavity mode is described by the Jaynes-Cummings model. The idea provides a possibility for quantum-state engineering and reconstruction for collective atomic modes.

• Received 10 October 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.77.045802