Hannover 2016 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 11: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics I
Q 11.10: Poster
Monday, February 29, 2016, 16:30–19:00, Empore Lichthof
Creation of a superposition of opposite circular states in Rydberg atoms using optimal control theory and quantum Zeno dynamics — •Sabrina Patsch1, Daniel M. Reich2, Jean-Michel Raimond3, and Christiane P. Koch1 — 1Universität Kassel — 2Aarhus University — 3Collège de France
An alkali Rydberg atom in a circular state has a single valence electron excited to the maximum value of the magnetic quantum number m. Its electronic orbital which is very sensitive to magnetic fields forms a torus similar to the orbit in the classical Bohr model. We attempt to create a superposition of two circular Rydberg states with opposite values of m, a so-called cat state. The creation of such a superposition opens the possibility to build highly precise sensors for measuring magnetic fields.
The central issue is to prevent decoherence during the preparation of the superposition state, given experimental limitations such as those in the setup for quantum Zeno dynamics at the Collège de France [1]. We employ optimal control theory [2] for resonant driving using rf fields combined with microwave fields inducing Zeno dynamics to minimize the time needed to circularise an atom without significant loss of efficiency.
[1] Signoles, A. et al. Confined quantum Zeno dynamics of a watched atomic arrow. Nature Phys. 10, 715 (2014).
[2] Reich, D.M. et al. Monotonically convergent optimization in quantum control using Krotov’s method. J. Chem. Phys. 136, 104103 (2012).