Photoionization Rates of Cs Rydberg Atoms in a 1064 nm Far Off-Resonance Trap

TL;DR

This paper experimentally measures the photoionization rates of Cs Rydberg atoms in a 1064 nm far off-resonance trap, confirming theoretical predictions and providing data for understanding Rydberg atom behavior in optical traps.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental measurements of photoionization rates of Cs Rydberg states in a 1064 nm trap, validating theoretical models.

Findings

Measured photoionization rates agree with theoretical calculations.

Lifetimes of Rydberg states are consistent with recent predictions.

Experimental data supports existing models of Rydberg atom ionization in optical traps.

Abstract

Experimental measurements of photoionization rates of $nD_{5/2}$ Rydberg states of Cs ($50 \leq n \leq 75$) in a 1064 nm far off-resonance dipole trap are presented. The photoionization rates are obtained by measuring the lifetimes of Rydberg atoms produced inside of a 1064 nm far off-resonance trap and comparing the lifetimes to corresponding control experiments in a magneto-optical trap. Experimental results for the control experiments agree with recent theoretical predictions for Rydberg state lifetimes and measured photoionization rates are in agreement with transition rates calculated from a model potential.