Interactions of Ultracold Rydberg Atoms

在这个项目中，我们将探索超冷里德堡原子之间的相互作用。在绝对零度以上不到千分之一度的温度下，将使用激光冷却技术来制备超冷Rb原子。然后，这些原子将被激光转移到高激发里德堡态。这种状态是不寻常的，因为电子离原子核很远，使得它们非常脆弱，很容易被其他原子扰动，即使原子相距很远。里德堡原子之间这些强相互作用的各种表现将被研究。具体地说，将探索由里德堡原子组成的超大分子的形成。此外，还将探索新的离子对状态，即一个原子从其伙伴那里偷走电子。最后，将研究相互作用的原子交换激发态的各种交换过程。在进行这项研究时，学生和博士后将接受基于激光的原子和分子物理方面的宝贵专业培训，最终加强高科技劳动力。研究结果将通过期刊出版物和会议演示文稿传播，从而向科学界通报我们的发现。关于科学影响，非常大的里德堡分子是一种奇异的物质形式，表现出新颖的结合类型。此外，里德堡原子之间的相互作用是许多可能的量子信息处理方案的关键机制。最后，超冷里德堡原子与冷等离子体密切相关，冷等离子体已被用来在里德堡态形成冷反氢原子。

In this project, interactions between ultracold Rydberg atoms will be explored. Ultracold rubidium atoms, at temperatures less than one thousandth of a degree above absolute zero, will be prepared using laser cooling techniques. These atoms will then be transferred to highly-excited Rydberg states with lasers. Such states are unusual in that the electron lives very far from the nucleus, making them very fragile and easily perturbed by other atoms, even when the atoms are far apart. Various manifestations of these strong interactions between Rydberg atoms will be investigated. Specifically, the formation of very large molecules comprised of Rydberg atoms will be explored. Also, novel ion-pair states, where one atom steals the electron from its partner, will be probed. Finally, various exchange processes, where the interacting atoms trade their states of excitation, will be studied.In performing this research, students and postdocs will receive valuable professional training in laser-based atomic and molecular physics, ultimately enhancing the high-tech workforce. Results of the research will be disseminated through journal publications and conference presentations, thereby informing the scientific community of our findings. Regarding scientific impact, very large Rydberg molecules are an exotic form of matter, exhibiting novel types of binding. Also, interactions between Rydberg atoms are the key mechanism in a number of possible schemes for quantum information processing. Finally, ultracold Rydberg atoms are closely related to cold plasmas, which have been used to form cold antihydrogen atoms in Rydberg states.