Rostock 2019 – scientific programme

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 8: Ultra-cold atoms, ions and BEC (joint session A/Q)

A 8.2: Talk

Monday, March 11, 2019, 16:30–16:45, S HS 1 Physik

Rydberg blockade induced by a single ion — •Thomas Dieterle, Felix Engel, Marian Rockenhäuser, Christian Hölzl, Sophia Ten Huisen, Robert Löw, Tilman Pfau, and Florian Meinert — 5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology IQST, Universität Stuttgart

Ultracold Rydberg atoms with their strong mutual interactions provide an interesting platform for e.g. quantum simulation or quantum information exploiting the so-called Rydberg blockade. A similar concept applies to hybrid systems of Rydberg atoms and ions leading to single charge-induced blockade phenomena over macroscopic distances.

We demonstrate the excitation blockade of a single Rydberg atom by a single low-energy ion. The ion is produced from a single Rydberg excitation in an ultracold sample exploiting a novel optical two-photon ionization scheme, especially suited for the creation of very low-energy ions. We precisely control the ion's motion by applying small electric fields to analyze the blockade mechanism for a range of principal quantum numbers. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the ion as a high-sensitivity single-atom based electric field sensor.

Our method may in the future be used for controlling cold collisions, chemistry or charge mobilities in ion-atom mixtures.