Laser spectroscopy {\&} optical pumping of matrix-isolated rubidium atoms

Solid state systems are of particular interest in quantum information science due to their experimental simplicity. Atoms planted in noble gas or similar environments are a promising system to explore, offering high spin densities and potentially long spin coherence times [1-2]. We have implanted rubidium atoms within solid crystals of cryogenic argon and neon [1]. Furthermore, we have grown crystals with thicknesses \textgreater 10 $^{4}$ m and with rubidium densities of 10$^{17}$ cm$^{-3}$ [3]. As such, they are a promising environment for quantum information experiments, as well as sensors such as magnetometers. We will report on measurements of spin lifetimes and discuss our future endeavors. * weinstein@physics.unr.edu \\[4pt] [1] Stuart L. Kupferman and F. M. Pipkin. Phys. Rev., 166, 207--218, 1968.\\[0pt] [2] S. I. Kanorsky, S. Lang, S. L\"{u}cke, S. B. Ross, T. W. H\"{a}nsch, and A. Weis. Phys. Rev. A, 54, R1010--R1013.