Journal of Physics Conference Series
Preparation of Rydberg states in ultracold Li-7 atoms by using coherent or non-coherent optical excitation
E V Vilshanskaya, D A Murashkin, Sergey A. Saakyan, Vladimir A. Sautenkov, Boris B. Zelener
Abstract
Energy spectra of ultracold Rydberg lithium atoms are discussed. Our technique has been used for the experimental observation of coherent and non-coherent components of two-step excitation in Rydberg states. The high sensitivity of the technique has allowed us to record narrow coherent resonance at 2 P -41 D . The width of this resonance is 3 times less than width of non-coherent resonance. The coherent resonance is observed when the laser is detuned by ±803.5 MHz from the atomic transition 2 P 3/2 .