The dynamics of a system composed of two coupled cavities, each containing a single two-level atom, is studied over a wide range of detuning and coupling values. A description of the field in terms of delocalized modes reveals that the detuning between the atoms and these modes is controlled by the coupling between the cavities; this detuning in turn governs the nature of the dynamics. If the atoms are highly detuned from both delocalized field modes, the dynamics become dispersive and an excitation may be transferred from the first atom to the second without populating the field. In the case of resonance between the atoms and one of the delocalized modes, state transfer between the atoms requires intermediate excitation of the field. Thus, the interaction between the two atoms can be controlled by adjusting the coupling between the cavities.

• Received 22 April 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.063805