Quantum optics with hot atomic vapors in various configurations

Rubidium gases at room temperature can exhibit large optical non-linearities, even at the single photon level. To enhance these non-linearities one can either boost the interaction between the atoms or increase the atom-light coupling by photonic structures. We present optical non-linearities based on high lying Rydberg states exhibiting strong van-der Waals interactions, as well for low lying states via the light induced dipole-dipole interaction. The latter at rather high densities. By adding photonic waveguides, e.g. slot waveguides, ring resonators or photonic crystal cavities we can enhance the observed non-linearities.