Browsing by Author "Dunning, Barry"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Microscopic trapping and high-resolution imaging of ultra cold Rydberg atoms
    (2020-07-22) Rathore, Haad Y; Dunning, Barry; Killian, Thomas
    In this work we describe the design and implementation of an optical system that enables the study of the interactions of Rydberg atoms or other Rydberg species in well-defined geometries. To understand and observe the dynamics of Rydberg interactions, the ability to engineer different arrangements of microscopic cold atom traps and manipulate their positions with a precision of a few microns is essential. This is accomplished by a custom designed high-numerical-aperture long-working-distance objective lens and a spatial light modulator device to control the phase of an incoming optical beam. Several different trap geometries have been realized, with a spatial resolution of a few microns, including a 1-dimensional chain, a 2-dimensional square grid, and a circular array of traps. The objective lens has been designed to provide diffraction limited performance at multiple wavelengths facilitating the creation of not only micron-scale atom traps but also the fluorescence imaging of trapped atoms. The system enables precise control over trap positions, and hence the locations at which atoms might be excited, with applications in, for example, the study of long-range interactions between Rydberg atoms, the creation of long-range Rydberg molecules, the implementation of qubits for quantum computing based on Rydberg atoms, and in quantum simulation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Spectroscopic studies of the quantum defects for high-n singlet strontium Rydberg states
    (2023-11-30) Brienza, Robert A; Dunning, Barry
    Rydberg atoms have a long history of scientific research, but they have recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to their advantages when dealing with coupled internal Rydberg states, or externally-coupled Rydberg atoms. The use of convenient RF and/or microwave generation techniques allows for straightforward coupling of many nearby Rydberg states, enabling quantum simulation studies, such as the generation of a synthetic lattice. Strontium is particularly attractive for Rydberg atom studies due to its optically active core, which allows for two-electron excited states and its conveniently accessible transition frequencies that match those available using commercial diode lasers. Before these experiments and applications can be realized however, precise knowledge of Rydberg state energies and quantum defects is required. Therefore, this work undertakes an extensive study of the quantum defects of both singly and doubly-excited strontium Rydberg atoms for a wide range of n and l. Precision microwave spectroscopy between nearby Rydberg states produces an improved self-consistent set of quantum defects for singly-excited 1S0, 1P1, 1D2, and 1F3 states, described by their corresponding Rydberg-Ritz parameters. Quantum defects and lifetimes for autoionizing two-electron-states are also presented. These elucidate the effects of core penetration by the “outer” excited Rydberg electron on transitions within the core ion and on the Rydberg level itself.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Strontium Laser Cooling and Trapping Apparatus
    (2015-04-23) Camargo, Francisco; Killian, Tom C; Dunning, Barry; Onuchic, Jose
    This work describes the assembly and use of an apparatus for laser cooling and trapping of atomic strontium in a broad-transition magneto-optical trap and magnetic trap. An all-diode 461nm laser system is used to drive the main cooling transition, 1S0 → 1P1. The lifetimes, loading rates, and temperatures of the trapped atoms are characterized.