Dipole-dipole interaction between rubidium Rydberg atoms

Abstract

Ultracold Rydberg atoms in a static electric field can exchange energy via the dipole-dipole interaction. The Stark effect shifts the energy levels of the atoms which tunes the energy exchange into resonance at specific values of the electric field (Förster resonances). We excite rubidium atoms to Rydberg states by focusing either a 480 nm beam from a tunable dye laser or a pair of diode lasers into a magneto-optical trap. The trap lies at the center of a configuration of electrodes. We scan the electric field by controlling the voltage on the electrodes while measuring the fraction of atoms that interact. Dipole-dipole interaction spectra are presented for initially excited rubidium nd states for n = 31 to 46 and for four different pairs of initially excited rubidium ns states. We also present the dipole-dipole interaction spectra for individual rubidium 32d (j, m j ) fine structure levels that have been selectively excited. The data are compared to calculated spectra.

Role of multilevel Rydberg interactions in electric-field-tuned Förster resonances

“…The explanation of the line broadening spectra at high densities requires that a Rydberg atom blockade be taken into account [20,21], but does not require the introduction of more than a two-body interaction between a pair of atoms. Such results can 2469-9926/2016/93(1)/012703 (5) 012703-1 ©2016 American Physical Society be contrasted with the interpretation proposed in other works appearing in the literature [11,14]. The experimental data and model agree well, suggesting, despite exciting a Förster resonance, that the gas dynamics are dominated by two-body interactions and the complexity of Rydberg interactions can mask the manifestation of many-body interactions.…”

“…Many works have associated Förster resonance broadening with many-body effects by comparing experimental observation to complex theoretical models. One such many-body model was implemented for the Rb states we study here [11]. More exact theoretical many-body approaches, like quantum Monte Carlo, are difficult to implement in systems of highly excited atoms.…”

Quantum interference in the field ionization of Rydberg atoms

“…et al [37] along with the procedure used to fit to calculated interaction spectra. We estimate an uncertainty in our field calibration of 0.5%.…”

Source of entangled atom pairs on demand using the Rydberg blockade

“…tion from neighboring ν manifolds via a | ss ↔ | pp Förster resonance [53][54][55]. Accessing the exciton proceeds via ramps of a static electric field here, instead of microwave pulses.…”