ARC: An open-source library for calculating properties of alkali Rydberg atoms

TL;DR

ARC is an open-source Python library that calculates various properties of alkali Rydberg atoms, aiding research in quantum information, optics, and metrology by providing detailed atomic interaction models.

Contribution

The paper introduces a comprehensive, object-oriented Python library for computing Rydberg atom properties, integrating experimental data and enabling easy expansion for quantum research applications.

Findings

Provides accurate calculations of atomic energy levels and lifetimes.

Models two-atom interaction potentials including dipole and quadrupole effects.

Facilitates rapid development in quantum information and metrology applications.

Abstract

We present an object-oriented Python library for computation of properties of highly-excited Rydberg states of alkali atoms. These include single-body effects such as dipole matrix elements, excited-state lifetimes (radiative and black-body limited) and Stark maps of atoms in external electric fields, as well as two-atom interaction potentials accounting for dipole and quadrupole coupling effects valid at both long and short range for arbitrary placement of the atomic dipoles. The package is cross-referenced to precise measurements of atomic energy levels and features extensive documentation to facilitate rapid upgrade or expansion by users. This library has direct application in the field of quantum information and quantum optics which exploit the strong Rydberg dipolar interactions for two-qubit gates, robust atom-light interfaces and simulating quantum many-body physics, as well as the field of metrology using Rydberg atoms as precise microwave electrometers.