Large Energy Superpositions via Rydberg Dressing

TL;DR

This paper proposes creating large superposition states of over 100 atoms in different energy states using Rydberg dressing, enabling highly sensitive tests of energy decoherence models.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate massive atomic superpositions with detailed analysis of practical effects affecting coherence.

Findings

Superpositions of over 100 atoms in distinct energy states are feasible.

The energy difference in superpositions can reach around 300 eV.

The approach enhances sensitivity for testing energy decoherence models.

Abstract

We propose to create superposition states of over 100 Strontium atoms being in a ground state or metastable optical clock state, using the Kerr-type interaction due to Rydberg state dressing in an optical lattice. The two components of the superposition can differ by of order 300 eV in energy, allowing tests of energy decoherence models with greatly improved sensitivity. We take into account the effects of higher-order nonlinearities, spatial inhomogeneity of the interaction, decay from the Rydberg state, collective many-body decoherence, atomic motion, molecular formation and diminishing Rydberg level separation for increasing principal number.