Strong coupling of Rydberg atoms and surface phonon polaritons on piezoelectric superlattices

TL;DR

This paper proposes a hybrid quantum system that achieves strong coupling between Rydberg atoms and surface phonon polaritons on piezoelectric superlattices, enabling new quantum control possibilities.

Contribution

It introduces a method to strongly couple Rydberg atoms with surface phonon polaritons using engineered piezoelectric superlattices, a novel hybrid quantum system approach.

Findings

Coupling constant exceeds decay rates, enabling strong coupling.

Resonant surface mode frequency can be engineered to match Rydberg transitions.

Rabi splitting can be observed under realistic experimental conditions.

Abstract

We propose a hybrid quantum system where the strong coupling regime can be achieved between a Rydberg atomic ensemble and propagating surface phonon polaritons on a piezoelectric superlattice. By exploiting the large electric dipole moment and long lifetime of Rydberg atoms as well as tightly confined surface phonon polariton modes, it is possible to achieve a coupling constant far exceeding the relevant decay rates. The frequency of the surface mode can be selected so it is resonant with a Rydberg transition by engineering the piezoelectric superlattice. We describe a way to observe the Rabi splitting associated with the strong coupling regime under realistic experimental conditions. The system can be viewed as a new type of optomechanical system.