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Coherent optical detection of highly excited Rydberg states using electromagnetically induced transparency
A K Mohapatra1, T R Jackson, C S Adams
1Department of Physics, Durham University, Rochester Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|May 16, 2007
Summary
We used electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) to optically detect highly excited Rydberg states up to n=124. This method also probes electric field transients and Rydberg fine structure splitting in gases.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Rydberg states are highly excited atomic states with unique properties.
- Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a quantum interference effect that enables novel light-matter interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate coherent optical detection of highly excited Rydberg states using EIT.
- To utilize EIT for nondestructive probing of Rydberg energy levels and electric field transients.
- To extend measurements of Rydberg state fine structure splitting.
Main Methods:
- Coherent optical detection using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT).
- Spectroscopic analysis of highly excited Rydberg states (up to n=124).
- Measurement of fine structure splitting for nd Rydberg series (up to n=96).
Main Results:
- Successful detection of Rydberg states up to principal quantum number n=124.
- Demonstration of EIT spectra for direct optical detection of electric field transients in gases.
- Extended measurements of fine structure splitting for the nd series up to n=96.
Conclusions:
- EIT provides a direct, nondestructive method for probing Rydberg states and energy levels.
- EIT-based Rydberg spectroscopy can detect electric field transients in the gas phase.
- Coherent coupling of Rydberg states via EIT opens possibilities for quantum information processing applications like cross-phase modulation and photon entanglement.
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