Long range dipole-dipole interaction in low-density atomic vapors probed by double-quantum two-dimensional coherent...

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Interatomic dipole-dipole interactions are crucial for understanding many-body quantum phenomena in atomic and molecular systems.
• These interactions have significant implications for atom-based technologies reliant on collective behavior.
• Probing these interactions at low densities is essential for applications like quantum simulation and computing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate optical double-quantum two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) for detecting interatomic dipole-dipole interactions.
• To demonstrate the sensitivity of 2DCS in atomic vapors at densities relevant to cold atom experiments.
• To explore the potential of 2DCS for studying long-range interactions in both atomic and solid-state systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized optical double-quantum two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) to probe atomic vapors of potassium and rubidium.
• Measured dipole-dipole interactions at specific atomic densities (4.81×10^8 cm^-3 for K, 8.40×10^9 cm^-3 for Rb).
• Calculated mean interatomic separations to characterize the interaction range (15.8 μm for K, 6.1 μm for Rb).

Main Results:

• Successfully detected interatomic dipole-dipole interactions in potassium and rubidium atomic vapors.
• Confirmed the long-range nature of dipole-dipole interactions, consistent with theoretical predictions.
• Demonstrated the sensitivity of double-quantum 2DCS to probe interactions at densities achievable in magneto-optical traps.

Conclusions:

• Optical double-quantum 2DCS is a highly sensitive technique for studying long-range interatomic dipole-dipole interactions.
• The method is suitable for investigating cold atoms and molecules, opening new research avenues.
• 2DCS holds promise for exploring similar long-range interactions in solid-state systems like quantum dots and color centers.