# Generation of cold Rydberg atoms at submicron distances from an optical nanofiber

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the controlled excitation of cold Rydberg atoms near an optical nanofiber, enabling studies of atom-surface interactions and potential applications in fiber-based quantum networks.

## Contribution

It introduces a hybrid system combining cold Rydberg atoms with an optical nanofiber and models the excitation process at submicron distances.

## Key findings

- Successful coherent and incoherent Rydberg excitation near nanofiber surface
- Development of a theoretical model linking Rabi frequency to population rate
- Potential for atom-surface interaction studies and quantum network applications

## Abstract

We report on a controllable, hybrid quantum system consisting of cold Rydberg atoms and an optical nanofiber interface. Using a two-photon ladder-type excitation in $^{87}$Rb, we demonstrate both coherent and incoherent Rydberg excitation at submicron distances from the nanofiber surface. The 780 nm photon, near resonant to the $5S \rightarrow 5P$ transition, is mediated by the cooling laser, while the 482 nm light, near resonant to the $5P \rightarrow 29D$ transition, is mediated by the guided mode of the nanofiber. The population loss rate of the cold atom ensemble is used to measure the Rydberg population rate. A theoretical model is developed to interpret the results and link the population rate to the experimentally measured, effective Rabi frequency of the process. This work makes headway in the study of atom-surface interactions at submicron scales and the use of cold Rydberg atoms for all-fibered quantum networks and quantum simulations.