Structure and Dynamics of Excited Atoms
Abstract
We have now developed the laser technology to excite Rydberg atoms in the trap using a pulsed amplified cw laser. With this system we can produce samples with only 10% fluctuation in the number of Rydberg atoms. This stability is crucial in studying the processes of interest, which always involve interactions among Rydberg atoms and are thus non linear, often highly so, in the density. We have developed millimeter (mm) wave techniques to probe and manipulate the cold Rydberg samples. As will be described below we are able to use the high spectral resolution to observe line broadening, and we have been able to change the macroscopic properties of the sample by changing the quantum state of< 10% of the Rydberg atoms. We have not yet done much to control the geometry of the sample, but it is becoming clear that this is an interesting direction to explore.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435243
Entities
People
- Thomas. F. Gallagher
Organizations
- University of Virginia