Half Cycle Pulse Train Induced State Redistribution of Rydberg Atoms

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to transfer population between Rydberg states using a train of half-cycle pulses, achieving state redistribution across a wide range of energy levels with experimental validation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel half-cycle pulse train technique for state redistribution in Rydberg atoms, independent of initial states, with experimental and theoretical validation.

Findings

Successful population transfer from n=50 to n<40

Transfer extends to the continuum states

Model matches experimental results for 1D atoms

Abstract

Population transfer between low lying Rydberg states independent of the initial state is realized using a train of half-cycle pulses with pulse durations much less than the classical orbit period. We demonstrate experimentally the transfer of population from initial states around n=50 down to n<40 as well as up to the continuum. The measured population transfer matches well to a model of the process for 1D atoms.