Exciton dynamics in emergent Rydberg lattices

TL;DR

This paper investigates exciton dynamics in emergent Rydberg lattices formed by cold atoms, demonstrating their potential as platforms for studying coherent energy transfer in structured quantum media.

Contribution

It introduces the study of exciton dynamics in spontaneously formed Rydberg lattices and links experimental observations with theoretical models including the XXZ spin model.

Findings

Qualitative agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions.

Emergent Rydberg lattices can facilitate coherent energy transfer.

The system acts as a natural structured medium for exciton dynamics.

Abstract

The dynamics of excitons in a one-dimensional ensemble with partial spatial order are studied. During optical excitation, cold Rydberg atoms spontaneously organize into regular spatial arrangements due to their mutual interactions. This emergent lattice is used as the starting point to study resonant energy transfer triggered by driving a $nS$ to $n^\prime P$ transition using a microwave field. The dynamics are probed by detecting the survival probability of atoms in the $nS$ Rydberg state. Experimental data qualitatively agree with our theoretical predictions including the mapping onto XXZ spin model in the strong-driving limit. Our results suggest that emergent Rydberg lattices provide an ideal platform to study coherent energy transfer in structured media without the need for externally imposed potentials.