Probing Atom-Surface Interactions Using Rb Rydberg Atoms

ORAL

Abstract

Alkali Rydberg atoms close to a dielectric surface can resonantly excite surface phonon-polaritons, by decaying into a nearby Rydberg state. In our experiment, rubidium atoms are trapped in a mirror-MOT and are brought close to a dielectric surface in a magnetic trap, where Rydberg excitiation takes place. We are exploring the controlled coupling of Rydberg atoms to surfaces such as quartz, LaF$_3$, and PPLN. Engineered materials such as PPLN allow for control over surface phonon-polariton resonance frequencies and bandwidths, enabling increased coupling strength. Engineering the surface allows for coupling to surface phonon-polaritions at much greater distances.

–

Authors

  • Jonathon Sedlacek

    • University of Oklahoma

  • Harald K\"{u}bler

    • 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universit\"{a}t Stuttgart

  • Charles Ewel

    • University of Oklahoma

  • James Shaffer

    • University of Oklahoma