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Spontaneous avalanche ionization of a strongly blockaded Rydberg gas
M Robert-de-Saint-Vincent1, C S Hofmann1, H Schempp1
1Physikalisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 226, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|August 29, 2014
Summary
We observed Rydberg atoms spontaneously forming an ultracold plasma through an ionization avalanche. Initial correlations in the Rydberg ensemble may persist, enabling new strongly coupled regimes.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Plasma physics
- Quantum optics
Background:
- Rydberg atoms are highly excited atoms with strong interactions.
- Ultracold plasmas can be formed from atomic gases.
- Laser coupling can create and manipulate Rydberg ensembles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spontaneous evolution of a Rydberg atom gas into an ultracold plasma.
- To understand the role of Rydberg-Rydberg interactions in plasma formation.
- To explore the potential for new strongly coupled regimes.
Main Methods:
- Creating a Rydberg ensemble in the strong blockade regime using continuous laser coupling.
- Employing optical imaging and ion detection to monitor system dynamics.
- Utilizing a coupled rate-equation model to analyze experimental data.
Main Results:
- Observed a sudden ionization avalanche leading to ultracold plasma formation.
- Detected a rapid increase in ion numbers and depletion of Rydberg/ground state densities.
- Rydberg-Rydberg interactions significantly influenced plasma formation dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Initial correlations in the Rydberg ensemble are suggested to persist through the ionization avalanche.
- This persistence could overcome disorder-induced heating.
- Provides a potential pathway to achieving new strongly coupled regimes in ultracold plasmas.
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