Open AccessRydberg spectroscopy of a Rb MOT in the presence of applied or ion created electric fields
Author(s) -
Matthieu Viteau,
J. Radogostowicz,
M. G. Bason,
Nicola Malossi,
Donatella Ciampini,
O. Morsch,
E. Arimondo
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.006007
Subject(s) - atomic physics , electric field , rydberg formula , rydberg state , excited state , spectroscopy , photoionization , rubidium , stark effect , ion , excitation , rydberg atom , spectral line , absorption spectroscopy , physics , ionization , materials science , optics , potassium , quantum mechanics , astronomy , metallurgy
Rydberg spectroscopy of rubidium cold atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) was performed in a quartz cell. When electric fields acting on the atoms generated by a plate external to the cell were continuously applied, electric charges on the cell walls were created, as monitored on the Rydberg spectra. Avoiding accumulation of the charges and realizing good control over the applied electric field was instead obtained when the fields were applied only for a short time, typically a few microseconds. In a two-photon excitation via the 62P state to the Rydberg state, the laser resonant with the 52S-62P transition photoionizes the excited state. The photoionization-created ions produce an internal electric field which deforms the excitation spectra, as monitored on the Autler-Townes absorption spectra.