Computational studies of dipole-dipole interactions among Stark manifold states

POSTER

Abstract

In our experiment, we excite ultra-cold atoms in a magneto-optical trap to Rydberg states in a Stark manifold ($n \sim 35$). An external electric field tunes the states such that a pair of atoms can resonantly exchange energy. One atom transitions to the $(n+1)$ manifold and the other to the $(n-1)$ manifold. We present the results of a computational model of this interaction which includes as many as 6 atoms. We examine many-body effects and redistribution of initial atomic population among the densely packed manifold states.

*This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (grant no. 1205897) and through the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (supported by NSF grant no. OCI-1053575).

Authors

  • Thomas J. Carroll

    • Ursinus College
  • Alexander R. Mellus

    • Ursinus College
  • Alexander M. Chartrand

    • Bryn Mawr College
  • Donald P. Fahey

    • Bryn Mawr College
  • Michael W. Noel

    • Bryn Mawr College