Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 1910.13155

Photon correlation transients in a weakly blockaded Rydberg ensemble

Abstract

The non-linear and non-local effects in atomic Rydberg media under electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) make it a versatile platform for fundamental studies and applications in quantum information. In this paper, we study the dynamics of a Rydberg-EIT system in an ensemble that allows for more than one Rydberg excitation in the propagation direction. The density of two-level atoms is such that transient superradiant effects occur. We experimentally observe a cross-over between coherent collective emission (`flash') of two-level atoms to a Rydberg dressed regime ('dressed flash') under EIT condition. The complex dynamics are characterised using both intensity and time correlation measurements. We show that while steady-state EIT gives a second order correlation $g^{(2)}=0.79\pm 0.04$, the Rydberg-dressed flash exhibits anti-bunching down to $0.2\pm0.04$.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Charles Möhl, Nicholas L. R. Spong, Yuechun Jiao, Chloe So, Teodora Ilieva, Matthias Weidemüller, Charles S. Adams. 2020-02-12. Photon correlation transients in a weakly blockaded Rydberg ensemble. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6455%2Fab728f

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Vector Measurements Using Integrated Radio Frequency Atomic Magnetometers

We demonstrate reconstruction of three-dimensional radio-frequency (RF) magnetic-field vectors using a pair of integrated RF atomic magnetometers operated with orthogonal bias-field orientations. A theoretical and experimental analysis identifies a phase-ambiguity dead band that limits reconstruction when the two sensor responses become nearly identical. Measurements performed in an unshielded laboratory environment demonstrate accurate reconstruction of RF magnetic-field orientations and validate the predicted dependence of reconstruction accuracy on signal imbalance. These results establish integrated RF atomic magnetometers as a compact and sensitive platform for directional RF magnetic-field sensing, particularly at low frequencies, and provide a foundation for portable source-localization and field-mapping applications.

physics.atom-ph

Anomalously enhanced lifetimes of low angular momentum Rydberg states in singly charged alkaline-earth metal ions

Trapped ions excited to high-lying electronic states, so-called Rydberg states, open new opportunities for quantum simulation and quantum computing. Generally, the fidelity of quantum coherent operations critically depends on the longevity of Rydberg states. However, scaling laws predict that the lifetimes of Rydberg states in singly charged alkaline-earth metal ions are 16 times shorter, compared to their neutral atom counterparts. Here, we show that this is not generally the case. We report an anomalous lifetime enhancement of certain low angular momentum ionic Rydberg series by factors larger than eight. The anomaly is present at both zero and finite temperature, although it is caused by different mechanisms. At zero temperature, the anomalously enhanced lifetimes are caused by accidental cancellations of the relevant dipole transition matrix elements, while at room temperature the anomaly originates from the enlarged energetic separation of ionic Rydberg levels with respect to neutral-atom levels.

physics.atom-ph

Ytterbium lattice clock with systematic uncertainty of $1.3\times 10^{-18}$ and instability at the $10^{-19}$ level

We report an optical lattice clock based on $^{171}$Yb atoms with a total systematic uncertainty of $1.3\times 10^{-18}$. An in-vacuum buildup cavity was employed to enhance the lattice light power. Differential frequency measurement between two identical clocks facilitates the evaluation of systematic shifts. Synchronous comparison of the two clocks reached a stability level of $2.7\times 10^{-19}$ in an averaging time of 216,000~s. The blackbody radiation (BBR) shield which is placed in vacuum provides a well-characterized BBR environment, enabling an uncertainty contribution of $8.7\times 10^{-19}$ from the BBR Stark shift. Lattice light shifts were measured at different lattice depths $U$, and fitted with a fourth-order polynomial of $U$. The zero-linear-shift frequency $ν_{\mathrm{zero}}$ was determined to be 394 798 260.6(3) MHz. The lattice light shift can be controlled at an uncertainty level of $6.3\times 10^{-19}$ under typical operating conditions. Other systematic shifts have also been evaluated. The two clocks will be used for remote frequency comparisons between Shanghai and Wuhan.

physics.atom-ph