We have demonstrated quantum control of the spin-orbit interaction based on the Autler-Townes (ac-Stark) effect in a molecular system using a cw optical field. We show that the enhancement of the spin-orbit interaction between a pair of weakly interacting singlet-triplet rovibrational levels, G (1)Π(g)(v=12,J=21,f)-1 (3)Σ(g)(-)(v=1,N=21,f), separated by 750 MHz in the lithium dimer, depends on the Rabi frequency (laser power) of the control laser. The increase in the spin-orbit interaction due to the control field is observed as a change in the spin character of the individual components of the perturbed pair.We have demonstrated quantum control of the spin-orbit interaction based on the Autler-Townes (ac-Stark) effect in a molecular system using a cw optical field. We show that the enhancement of the spin-orbit interaction between a pair of weakly interacting singlet-triplet rovibrational levels, G (1)Π(g)(v=12,J=21,f)-1 (3)Σ(g)(-)(v=1,N=21,f), separated by 750 MHz in the lithium dimer, depends on the Rabi frequency (laser power) of the control laser. The increase in the spin-orbit interaction due to the control field is observed as a change in the spin character of the individual components of the perturbed pair.

Physical Review LettersOct 11, 201134 citations

Spin-sensitive atom scattering via spin-orbit interaction

Renfei Zheng, Zheng-Chun Li, Jieli Qin +3 more

The European Physical Journal DNov 1, 20200 citations

Frequency domain control of quantum state singlet/triplet character and prospects for an all-optical spin switch

Ergin H. Ahmed, A. M. Lyyra

In recent years, quantum optics has been expanded from atomic to molecular systems despite much weaker oscillator strengths and complex relaxation pathways that have presented serious challenges in the past. The richness of molecular excitation pathways and the variety of molecular interactions has made it possible to develop novel applications in this field. We have demonstrated how the Autler–Townes effect can be used to control molecular angular momentum alignment and how the Autler–Townes split line shape, combined with accurate control-laser electric field amplitude measurement, can be used to map the absolute magnitude of the molecular internuclear distance dependent electronic transition dipole moment function. In addition, the electric field amplitude in the control laser Rabi frequency can be used as a ‘tuning’ mechanism for the mixing coefficients of energy levels that are weakly perturbed by the spin–orbit interaction, i.e. to control the valence electron spin polarization and the spin multipli...In recent years, quantum optics has been expanded from atomic to molecular systems despite much weaker oscillator strengths and complex relaxation pathways that have presented serious challenges in the past. The richness of molecular excitation pathways and the variety of molecular interactions has made it possible to develop novel applications in this field. We have demonstrated how the Autler–Townes effect can be used to control molecular angular momentum alignment and how the Autler–Townes split line shape, combined with accurate control-laser electric field amplitude measurement, can be used to map the absolute magnitude of the molecular internuclear distance dependent electronic transition dipole moment function. In addition, the electric field amplitude in the control laser Rabi frequency can be used as a ‘tuning’ mechanism for the mixing coefficients of energy levels that are weakly perturbed by the spin–orbit interaction, i.e. to control the valence electron spin polarization and the spin multipli...

Journal of Modern OpticsSep 5, 20133 citations

Autler-Townes spectroscopy with interaction-induced dephasing

Hao Zhang, Linjie Zhang, Limei Wang +4 more

We study the effects of Rydberg-atom interactions on Autler-Townes (AT) spectra in a dense gas of ultracold cesium atoms. The $6{S}_{1/2}$ and $6{P}_{3/2}$ levels of cesium are strongly coupled (Rabi frequency ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c})$, and the resultant AT spectra are probed via excitation into a Rydberg level. Van der Waals interactions between the atoms in the probe Rydberg level give rise to a dephasing rate $({\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3})$. The interaction-induced dephasing is found to cause characteristic changes in the AT spectra, including a reduction or elimination of the AT splitting, an increase in the critical ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c}$ above which AT splitting occurs, and an increase in the width of the AT spectral lines. Rydberg-atom interactions are controlled by varying the principal quantum number $n$ of the probe Rydberg level; larger values of $n$ correspond to higher dephasing rates ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3}$. Results of numerical calculations are in good agreement with the experiments.We study the effects of Rydberg-atom interactions on Autler-Townes (AT) spectra in a dense gas of ultracold cesium atoms. The $6{S}_{1/2}$ and $6{P}_{3/2}$ levels of cesium are strongly coupled (Rabi frequency ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c})$, and the resultant AT spectra are probed via excitation into a Rydberg level. Van der Waals interactions between the atoms in the probe Rydberg level give rise to a dephasing rate $({\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3})$. The interaction-induced dephasing is found to cause characteristic changes in the AT spectra, including a reduction or elimination of the AT splitting, an increase in the critical ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c}$ above which AT splitting occurs, and an increase in the width of the AT spectral lines. Rydberg-atom interactions are controlled by varying the principal quantum number $n$ of the probe Rydberg level; larger values of $n$ correspond to higher dephasing rates ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3}$. Results of numerical calculations are in good agreement with the experiments.

Physical Review AOct 22, 201424 citations

Spin-orbit interaction effects in cold atomic systems

Tudor D. Stanescu, Victor M. Galitski

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMar 14, 20080 citations

We study the effects of Rydberg-atom interactions on Autler-Townes (AT) spectra in a dense gas of ultracold cesium atoms. The

6{S}_{1/2}

and

6{P}_{3/2}

levels of cesium are strongly coupled (Rabi frequency ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c})$, and the resultant AT spectra are probed via excitation into a Rydberg level. Van der Waals interactions between the atoms in the probe Rydberg level give rise to a dephasing rate $({\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3})$. The interaction-induced dephasing is found to cause characteristic changes in the AT spectra, including a reduction or elimination of the AT splitting, an increase in the critical ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{c}$ above which AT splitting occurs, and an increase in the width of the AT spectral lines. Rydberg-atom interactions are controlled by varying the principal quantum number

n

of the probe Rydberg level; larger values of

n

correspond to higher dephasing rates ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3}$. Results of numerical calculations are in good agreement with the experiments.