  We observe the buildup of a frequency-shifted reverse light field in a
unidirectionally pumped high-$Q$ optical ring cavity serving as a dipole trap
for cold atoms. This effect is enhanced and a steady state is reached, if via
an optical molasses an additional friction force is applied to the atoms. We
observe the displacement of the atoms accelerated by momentum transfer in the
backscattering process and interpret our observations in terms of the
collective atomic recoil laser. Numerical simulations are in good agreement
with the experimental results.
