Quantum jump statistics for two-atom systems

The quantum jump statistics in the fluorescence intensity from two three-level atoms is studied. A rate-equation description valid for strong driving fields is derived, and a partial analysis of quantum jump statistics which goes beyond the strong-excitation limit is presented. As the main result, it is shown that collective effects, such as unusual intensity levels and double quantum jumps, can occur in two-atom systems. However, their observation requires that the atoms be localized within a wavelength of light