Berlin 2014 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 32: Poster: Quantum gases, ultracold atoms and molecules
Q 32.80: Poster
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 16:30–18:30, Spree-Palais
Rydberg-Rydberg interactions in high density caesium vapour — •Fabian Ripka1, Alban Urvoy1, Margarita Reschke1, David Peter2, Harald Kübler1, Tilman Pfau1, and Robert Löw1 — 15. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart Germany — 2Institut für Theoretische Physik III, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart Germany
Rydberg atoms are of growing interest, due to new physics provided by their exaggerated properties. For instance the van-der-Waals interaction between Rydberg atoms has been observed in thermal vapour [1] and is the foundation of several proposals for the realisation of quantum devices. It has also been demonstrated that a phase transition to collective behaviour of the Rydberg atoms can occur, leading to superradiant decay to neighbouring Rydberg states [2].
We use the excitation scheme 6S1/2 − 7P3/2 − nS, nD in caesium and focus on high densities (typ. 1012 to 1014 cm−3), where these effects become relevant. We show a phase-transition-like behaviour between two types of excitation dynamics to the Rydberg state. The border between these two regimes lies at a critical detuning ΔC, which depends on the experimental parameters (Rabi frequencies, atom number density, principal quantum number). One type of excitation dynamics is consistent with a two-body excitation process, while the other is of many-body nature.
We also present first results on tailoring superradiant decay between Rydberg states by changing geometries.
[1] T. Baluktsian, B. Huber, et al., PRL 110, 123001 (2013)
[2] C. Carr et al., PRL 111, 113901 (2013)