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Geometric Phase in Anisotropic Kepler Problem: Perspective for Realization in Rydberg Atoms.
Nikolai A Sinitsyn1, Fumika Suzuki1,2
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|December 5, 2025
Summary
We predict a gyroscopic effect in Rydberg atoms, analogous to a Foucault pendulum. This effect can be observed by rotating an atomic-optical setup, demonstrating geometric angle generation.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Classical Mechanics
Background:
- Rydberg atoms exhibit complex dynamics influenced by external forces.
- The Foucault pendulum demonstrates the Earth's rotation through a measurable geometric effect.
- Optical ponderomotive force can induce anisotropy in atomic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict and describe a gyroscopic effect in Rydberg atoms.
- To establish an analogy between Rydberg atom dynamics and the Foucault pendulum.
- To explore the generation of geometric angles in atomic systems via mechanical rotation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical prediction of gyroscopic effect in Rydberg atoms.
- Modeling atomic dynamics using a Kepler Hamiltonian with uniaxial anisotropy.
- Analysis of effects induced by optical ponderomotive force.
Main Results:
- A predicted gyroscopic effect in Rydberg atoms.
- Demonstration of Kepler Hamiltonian dynamics with induced anisotropy.
- Analogy established with the Foucault pendulum's rotation.
- Generation of a geometric angle in Rydberg states through mechanical rotation.
Conclusions:
- Rydberg atoms can exhibit a gyroscopic effect analogous to the Foucault pendulum.
- Mechanical rotation of atomic-optical setups can generate geometric angles in Rydberg states.
- The predicted effect is observable on microsecond to millisecond timescales.
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