We present the coherent excitation of a single Rubidium atom to the Rydberg state $58{d}_{3/2}$ using a two-photon transition. The experimental setup is described in detail, as are experimental techniques and procedures. The coherence of the excitation is revealed by observing Rabi oscillations between ground and Rydberg states of the atom. We analyze the observed oscillations in detail and compare them to numerical simulations which include imperfections of our experimental system. Strategies for future improvements on the coherent manipulation of a single atom in our settings are given.We present the coherent excitation of a single Rubidium atom to the Rydberg state $58{d}_{3/2}$ using a two-photon transition. The experimental setup is described in detail, as are experimental techniques and procedures. The coherence of the excitation is revealed by observing Rabi oscillations between ground and Rydberg states of the atom. We analyze the observed oscillations in detail and compare them to numerical simulations which include imperfections of our experimental system. Strategies for future improvements on the coherent manipulation of a single atom in our settings are given.

arXiv:1005.2153Physical Review AJul 12, 201050 citations

Addressing single trapped ions for Rydberg quantum logic

P. Bachor, Thomas Feldker, J. Walz +1 more

Abstract We demonstrate the excitation of ions to the Rydberg state 22 F by vacuum ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 123 nm combined with the coherent manipulation of the optical qubit transition in 40 Ca + . With a tightly focused beam at 729 nm wavelength we coherently excite a single ion from a linear string into the metastable 3 D 5 / 2 state before a VUV pulse excites it to the Rydberg state. In combination with ion shuttling in the trap, we extend this approach to the addressed excitation of multiple ions. The coherent initialization as well as the addressed Rydberg excitation are key prerequisites for more complex applications of Rydberg ions in quantum simulation or quantum information processing.Abstract We demonstrate the excitation of ions to the Rydberg state 22 F by vacuum ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 123 nm combined with the coherent manipulation of the optical qubit transition in 40 Ca + . With a tightly focused beam at 729 nm wavelength we coherently excite a single ion from a linear string into the metastable 3 D 5 / 2 state before a VUV pulse excites it to the Rydberg state. In combination with ion shuttling in the trap, we extend this approach to the addressed excitation of multiple ions. The coherent initialization as well as the addressed Rydberg excitation are key prerequisites for more complex applications of Rydberg ions in quantum simulation or quantum information processing.

arXiv:1602.05006Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical PhysicsJul 13, 201621 citations

Coherent Structural Dynamics of Rydberg-Excited Molecules

Yao Zhang

Jan 1, 20160 citations

Excitation of a quantum gas to Rydberg states

Thibault Vogt, JingShan Han, Ruixiang Guo +1 more

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyJun 4, 20140 citations

Twin-Capture Rydberg State Excitation Enhanced with Few-Cycle Laser Pulses

Jing Zhao, Jinlei Liu, Xiaowei Wang +1 more

Quantum excitation is usually regarded as a transient process occurring instantaneously, leaving the underlying physics shrouded in mystery. Recent research shows that Rydberg-state excitation with ultrashort laser pulses can be investigated and manipulated with state-of-the-art few-cycle pulses. We theoretically find that the efficiency of Rydberg state excitation can be enhanced with a short laser pulse and modulated by varying the laser intensities. We also uncover new facets of the excitation dynamics, including the launching of an electron wave packet through strong-field ionization, the re-entry of the electron into the atomic potential and the crucial step where the electron makes a U-turn, resulting in twin captures into Rydberg orbitals. By tuning the laser intensity, we show that the excitation of the Rydberg state can be coherently controlled on a sub-optical-cycle timescale. Our work paves the way toward ultrafast control and coherent manipulation of Rydberg states, thus benefiting Rydberg-state-based quantum technology.Quantum excitation is usually regarded as a transient process occurring instantaneously, leaving the underlying physics shrouded in mystery. Recent research shows that Rydberg-state excitation with ultrashort laser pulses can be investigated and manipulated with state-of-the-art few-cycle pulses. We theoretically find that the efficiency of Rydberg state excitation can be enhanced with a short laser pulse and modulated by varying the laser intensities. We also uncover new facets of the excitation dynamics, including the launching of an electron wave packet through strong-field ionization, the re-entry of the electron into the atomic potential and the crucial step where the electron makes a U-turn, resulting in twin captures into Rydberg orbitals. By tuning the laser intensity, we show that the excitation of the Rydberg state can be coherently controlled on a sub-optical-cycle timescale. Our work paves the way toward ultrafast control and coherent manipulation of Rydberg states, thus benefiting Rydberg-state-based quantum technology.

Chinese Physics LettersNov 21, 20237 citations

We present the coherent excitation of a single Rubidium atom to the Rydberg state

58{d}_{3/2}

using a two-photon transition. The experimental setup is described in detail, as are experimental techniques and procedures. The coherence of the excitation is revealed by observing Rabi oscillations between ground and Rydberg states of the atom. We analyze the observed oscillations in detail and compare them to numerical simulations which include imperfections of our experimental system. Strategies for future improvements on the coherent manipulation of a single atom in our settings are given.