Finite size cavity effect on nS rubidium Rydberg state lifetimes

Author(s)

Magnani, Barbara ^[1] ; Mojica-Casique, Cristian ^[1] ; Marcassa, Luis Gustavo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis Sao Carlos, Caixa Postal 369, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS B-ATOMIC MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS; v. 53, n. 6 MAR 28 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

In this work, we present lifetime measurements of nS states of Rb as a function of the principal quantum number (40 <= n <= 70) using a sample of cold atoms held in a magneto-optical trap, which is performed in a finite size metal vacuum chamber. The Rydberg states are excited through a two-photon transition, and detected by pulsed field ionization. Our measurements are larger than the predictions by well established theoretical model (1984 Phys. Rev. A 30 2881 and 2009 Phys. Rev. A 79 052504). We have implemented a theoretical model, which considers the vacuum chamber as a lossy Fabry-Perot cavity with a discrete spectrum, and compared with experimental results. Such comparison indicates that the blackbody radiation contribution on Rydberg state lifetime can be decreased by using a small size metal cavity, without the need of cryogenic environment. This effect may have application in experiments where longer Rydberg lifetimes are required. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/02816-8 - Manipulation of atomic collisions in optical traps
• Grantee: Luis Gustavo Marcassa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/21311-2 - Cold rydberg atoms: few body and high order interaction effects
• Grantee: Bárbara da Fonseca Magnani
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral