Atomic and Molecular Physics(DAMP)
Physique atomique et moléculaire (DPAM)
James D.D. MARTIN
University of Waterloo
Dipole-Dipole Interactions between Ultracold Rydberg Atoms
Highly excited Rydberg atoms may strongly interact through dipole-dipole coupling. Thus, temporary excitation to Rydberg states has been proposed for implementing quantum gates between single neutral atoms storing qubits [1], and as a means to encode qubits in small clouds of neutral atoms (such as in magnetic microtraps)[2].
To investigate the feasibility of these proposals we have experimentally studied the dipole-dipole interactions between cold Rydberg atoms. Cold Rubidium atoms from a magneto-optical trap are excited to Rydberg states using a novel modeless dye laser. The dipole-dipole interactions are then probed using microwave transitions and selective field ionization. Both resonant and non-resonant dipole-dipole interactions have been studied.
Work performed in collaboration with K. Afrousheh, P. Bohlouli-Zanjani, M. Fedorov and D. Vagale and supported by NSERC, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and Ontario Innovation Trust.
1. Jaksch et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., v. 85, 2208 (2000).
2. Lukin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., v. 87, 37901 (2001).