We investigate the phenomenon of optical bistability in a driven ensemble of Rydberg atoms. By performing two experiments with thermal vapors of rubidium and cesium, we are able to shed light on the underlying interaction mechanisms causing such a nonlinear behavior. Due to the different properties of these two atomic species, we conclude that the large polarizability of Rydberg states in combination with electric fields of spontaneously ionized Rydberg atoms is the relevant interaction mechanism. In the case of rubidium, we directly measure the electric field in a bistable situation via two-species spectroscopy. In cesium, we make use of the different sign of the polarizability for different $l$ states and the possibility of applying electric fields. Both these experiments allow us to rule out dipole-dipole interactions and support our hypothesis of a charge-induced bistability.We investigate the phenomenon of optical bistability in a driven ensemble of Rydberg atoms. By performing two experiments with thermal vapors of rubidium and cesium, we are able to shed light on the underlying interaction mechanisms causing such a nonlinear behavior. Due to the different properties of these two atomic species, we conclude that the large polarizability of Rydberg states in combination with electric fields of spontaneously ionized Rydberg atoms is the relevant interaction mechanism. In the case of rubidium, we directly measure the electric field in a bistable situation via two-species spectroscopy. In cesium, we make use of the different sign of the polarizability for different $l$ states and the possibility of applying electric fields. Both these experiments allow us to rule out dipole-dipole interactions and support our hypothesis of a charge-induced bistability.

arXiv:1609.02330Physical Review ADec 8, 201647 citations

Intrinsic Rydberg Optical Bistability

Christopher G. Wade

Springer thesesJan 1, 20181 citation

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states and the possibility of applying electric fields. Both these experiments allow us to rule out dipole-dipole interactions and support our hypothesis of a charge-induced bistability.