We present the development of a high-power ultraviolet laser system operating at a wavelength of 325 nm for Rydberg excitation from the
3P2 state of ytterbium. Utilizing a two-stage frequency doubling scheme, we achieved an output power exceeding 800 mW. The system effectively suppresses frequency noise in the MHz range, which is critical for achieving high Rydberg excitation fidelity, through the use of a filtering cavity. Using this system, we demonstrated coherent excitation of the
(6s71s)3S1 Rydberg state with a Rabi frequency of 2.13(3) MHz. Combined with our successful manipulations on the
1S0−3P2 transition, this work represents a foundational step toward achieving high-fidelity Rydberg excitation, enabling advancements in quantum simulation and computing with neutral atom arrays.
We experimentally investigate trap-loss spectra of the cesium 6S1/2(F = 4) → 71P3/2 Rydberg transition by combining the cesium atomic magneto-optical trap with the narrow-linewidth, continuously tunable 318.6 nm ultraviolet laser. Specifically, the atoms in the magneto-optical trap are excited to the Rydberg state due to the ultraviolet laser single-step Rydberg excitation, which leads to the reduction of atomic fluorescence. Based on the trap-loss spectroscopy technology, the Autler–Townes (AT) splitting due to a strong cooling laser is observed, and the parameter dependence of the AT splitting interval of trap-loss spectroscopy is investigated. The effective temperature of cold atoms is measured by using simplified time-of-flight fluorescence imaging. In addition, closed-loop feedback power stabilization of 318.6 nm ultraviolet laser is carried out. This lays the foundation for further experimental research related to the Rydberg atoms using ultraviolet lasers, which is of great significance for the development of quantum computing and quantum information.