Solvable dynamics of N driven two-level atoms coupled to a dissipative cavity mode

We solve exactly the dynamics of N strongly driven two-level atoms equally coupled on resonance to a dissipative cavity mode. Analytical results are derived on decoherence, entanglement, purity, atomic correlations and cavity field mean photon number. Decoherence-free subspaces are predicted for the whole system and the N-qubit subsystem. Multi-partite entangled states and cavity cat-like states can be conditionally generated. The decay of quantum coherence and purity can be monitored by joint measurements on atomic populations. Atoms prepared in states invariant under permutation of any two components evolve within the subspace spanned by the completely symmetric Dicke states. Applications to N = 3, 4 are discussed.