Quantum Interference Between Decay Channels of a Three-Level Atom Placed Between Two Parallel Plates

We investigate the generation of quantum interference induced by spontaneous emission from two transitions of a V-type three-level atom embedded between two parallel plates (one or both the plates have infinite permeability, i.e.μ→∞). The result shows that, due to the anisotropy of vacuum, quantum interference still exists although the two dipole matrix elements of the atom are orthogonal to each other. When the atom is located very close to one of the plates, the quantum interference effect is particularly prominent. The strength of quantum interference displays oscillating behaviour with the position of the atom. With the increase of the distance between the plates, the oscillation becomes dense.