Darmstadt 2008 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 34: Ultrakalte Rydberggase [gemeinsam mit A]

Q 34.5: Talk

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 09:30–09:45, 2G

High-resolution spectroscopy of an ultracold Rydberg gas — •Christoph S. Hofmann, Thomas Amthor, Christian Giese, Wendelin Sprenger, Markus Reetz-Lamour, and Matthias Weidemueller — Physics Institute, Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

The exaggerated properties of Rydberg atoms provide a fertile ground for investigating atomic interaction phenomena. Due to the long-range character of the interaction between highly excited atoms, the dynamics of an ultracold gas of Rydberg atoms are entirely determined by van-der-Waals and dipole-dipole interactions. Rydberg excitation-spectra reveal valuable information over a wide range of characteristic phenomena occurring in ultracold Rydberg samples, which are the scope of this talk. For instance, effects like suppression of excitation due to Rydberg-Rydberg interaction [1] can be traced back by analysing these spectra. Spectral features such as line shapes and broadening provide information on interaction potentials. Furthermore highly resolved spectra also permit the observation of long-range molecular resonances [2]. High-resolution spectroscopy requires sophisticated experimental techniques like careful electric and magnetic stray field control, frequency stabilized excitation and probe lasers with narrow line widths as well as sensitive ion detection schemes. An overview about these techniques is given in this talk.

[1] D. Tong et al.,Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 063001 (2004); K. Singer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 163001 (2004)

[2] S. M. Farooqi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 183002 (2003)