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Emergence of Synchronization in a Driven-Dissipative Hot Rydberg Vapor
Karen Wadenpfuhl1,2, C Stuart Adams1
1Joint Quantum Centre (JQC) Durham-Newcastle, Department of Physics, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|October 20, 2023
Summary
Atomic ensembles exhibit unexpected synchronization when driven to Rydberg states. Strong interactions via a global Rydberg density mean field enable frequency and phase entrainment, observed through laser transmission.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum optics
- Nonlinear dynamics
Background:
- Atomic ensembles driven to highly excited Rydberg states exhibit complex behaviors.
- Synchronization phenomena are typically observed in systems with less inherent motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and explain the unexpected observation of synchronization in a thermal atomic ensemble.
- To theoretically model the conditions leading to synchronization in Rydberg-excited atomic systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a thermal atomic ensemble of Rubidium (Rb) driven to Rydberg states (n=43-79).
- Developing a theoretical model incorporating a global Rydberg density mean field to explain interactions.
- Detecting emergent oscillations via probe laser transmission in a two-photon excitation scheme.
Main Results:
- Observed synchronization in a thermal atomic (Rb) ensemble.
- Theoretically demonstrated that strong interactions via a global Rydberg density mean field cause frequency and phase entrainment.
- Emergent oscillations in bulk quantities were detected through laser transmission.
Conclusions:
- Synchronization is achievable in thermal atomic ensembles under specific conditions.
- Global Rydberg density mean-field interactions are crucial for entrainment in these systems.
- Laser transmission provides a viable method for detecting collective atomic oscillations.
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