Degenerate Two-Photon Rydberg Atom Voltage Reference

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Measurement
• Electrical Metrology

Background:

• Accurate DC voltage references are crucial for metrology and scientific research.
• Atomic phenomena offer stable and precise physical bases for measurement standards.
• Rydberg atoms, with their large electric dipole moments, are sensitive to electric fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a novel DC voltage reference.
• To utilize Stark shifts in cesium Rydberg atoms for voltage measurement.
• To assess the sensitivity and potential of this atomic-based voltage reference.

Main Methods:

• Excitation of cesium atoms to the 15s Rydberg state via a two-photon transition.
• Measurement of the scalar, quadratic Stark shift induced by the target voltage.
• Integration of a parallel plate capacitor within a cesium vapor cell for voltage application.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a DC voltage reference based on Stark shifts of cesium Rydberg atoms.
• Achieved a sensitivity of 82 mV/sqrt(Hz) at a 100 V bias.
• Identified pathways for adapting the device for higher voltage ranges.

Conclusions:

• Cesium Rydberg atoms provide a viable platform for DC voltage metrology.
• The Stark shift measurement technique offers high sensitivity.
• Further optimization can extend the voltage measurement capabilities.