Quantum gas microscopy of Rydberg macrodimers

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Atomic physics
• Molecular physics

Background:

• Subnanoscale diatomic molecules are difficult to study optically.
• Rydberg macrodimers, composed of two highly excited Rydberg atoms, have large interatomic distances.
• These large distances exceed optical wavelengths, posing challenges for direct observation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the direct microscopic observation and characterization of Rydberg macrodimers.
• To investigate molecules formed in ultracold rubidium atoms within an optical lattice.
• To explore the potential of quantum gas microscopy for molecular physics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a gas of ultracold rubidium atoms in an optical lattice.
• Exciting pairs of atoms in a 2D atom array to form Rydberg macrodimers.
• Employing spatially resolved detection and correlated atom loss for observation.
• Resolving over 50 vibrational resonances by analyzing excitation pairs.

Main Results:

• Achieved direct microscopic observation and detailed characterization of Rydberg macrodimers.
• Determined a bond length of approximately 0.7 micrometers, matching the lattice diagonal.
• Observed macrodimers via correlated atom loss.
• Demonstrated control over molecular alignment by selecting vibrational states.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a method for observing and characterizing large Rydberg molecules.
• Results enable rigorous testing of Rydberg interaction potentials.
• Highlights the significant potential of quantum gas microscopy in molecular physics.