arXiv subjects

Rob Behary

Publications and source records attributed to Rob Behary.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Static dc electric field orientation effects on two-photon Rydberg EIT

We examine the influence of a static dc electric field on Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) resonances that involve highly excited Rydberg states. Our focus is on how these resonances are altered when the relative orientation between the laser polarization and the external electric field vectors are varied. We experimentally demonstrate characteristic variations in the amplitude of the Stark-split EIT resonances, which can be explained by the selection rules in various geometries. We also present a simplified semi-analytical model that closely resembles the experimental observations. We use these findings to obtain information about the spatially inhomogeneous electric field, produced by a biased wire, using EIT fluorescence measurements that agrees with the expected angular dependencies. These results suggest that simultaneous analysis of frequency shifts and amplitudes of Rydberg EIT resonances may enable vector electrometry of electrostatic fields, necessary for many quantum sensing applications.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Electron Beam Profiling via Rydberg Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Rubidium Vapor with Crossed Laser beams

We present an all-optical detection approach to determine the position and spatial profile of an electron beam based on quantum properties of alkali metal atoms. To measure the electric field, produced by an electron beam, we excite thermal rubidium atoms to a highly excited Rydberg state via a two-photon ladder transition and detect Stark shifts of Rydberg states by monitoring frequencies of the corresponding electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) transmission peaks. We addressed several technical challenges in this approach. First, we use crossed laser beams to obtain spatial information about the electron beam position and geometry. Second, by pulsing the electron beam and using phase-sensitive optical detection, we separate the true electron beam electric signature from the parasitic electric fields due to photoelectric charges on the windows. Finally, we use a principle component analysis to further improve signal quality. We test this method to detect the current and to reconstruct a 2D profile of a 20 keV electron beam with currents ranging from 25 - 100 uA. While this technique provides less spatial resolution than fluorescence-based measurements, thanks to their speed and limited optical access requirements it can be useful for real-time non-invasive diagnostics of charged particle beams at accelerator facilities.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Non-perturbative 2D spatial measurements of electric fields within a plasma sheath

We introduce an all-optical quantum-enhanced diagnostic for electric fields in low-temperature plasmas. Trace amounts of rubidium vapor, added to argon plasma, allow us to produce spectrally narrow electric field-sensitive optical resonances via quantum optical effect of Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency, and to non-invasively measure electric field in plasma with sensitivity exceeding 1 V/cm. By collecting fluorescence from the illuminated region of interest, we reconstruct a 2D spatial profile of the electric field magnitude with $30~\mu$m resolution. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we measured the changes in electric field within the plasma sheath surrounding a biased Langmuir probe tip. This method holds significant potential for studying sheath structures in low-temperature plasmas.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2025

Electron beam characterization via fluorescence imaging of Rydberg states in atomic vapor

We demonstrate an all-optical, minimally invasive method for electron beam (e-beam) characterization using Rydberg electrometry. The e-beam passes through a dilute Rb vapor prepared in a quantum superposition of ground and Rydberg states that reduces resonant absorption in a narrow spectral region. Imaging the modifications of Rb fluorescence due to shifts in the Rydberg state from the e-beam electric field allows us to reconstruct e-beam width, centroid position, and current. We experimentally demonstrate this technique using a 20 keV e-beam in the range of currents down to 20 $\mu$A, and discuss technical challenges produced by environmental electric potentials in the detection chamber. Overall, we demonstrate the promising potential of such an approach as a minimally invasive diagnostic for charged particle beams.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Rydberg Raman-Ramsey (R${}^3$) resonances in atomic vapor

The sensitivity of electric field sensors based on two-photon electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) involving highly excited Rydberg states in thermal atoms is often limited by the residual Doppler effect and optical power broadening. Here, we propose a method to reduce the EIT spectral linewidth using a Ramsey interrogation approach, allowing multiple interrogations of atomic coherence, using either temporally or spatially separated laser beams. Our theoretical calculations predict that the linewidth of such Raman-Ramsey spectral features can be substantially reduced compare to a standard Doppler-broadened EIT, opening a possibility to improved sensitivity of Rydberg atomic vapor-based sensors. We also discuss some preliminary experimental efforts toward observing Raman-Ramsey resonances for both spatially and temporally separated interrogation approaches and associated technical challenges.

physics.atom-ph↗