Induced THz transitions in Rydberg caesium atoms for application in antihydrogen experiments

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of THz radiation to stimulate deexcitation of Rydberg caesium atoms, aiming to improve antihydrogen ground state production for precision measurements at CERN.

Contribution

It demonstrates the first THz transitions in Rydberg caesium atoms induced by photomixers and discusses their implications for antihydrogen experiments.

Findings

Blackbody-like THz source causes photoionization issues.

First demonstration of THz-induced Rydberg transitions in caesium.

Potential to enhance antihydrogen ground state yield.

Abstract

Antihydrogen atoms are produced at CERN in highly excited Rydberg states. However, precision measurements require anti-atoms in ground state. Whereas experiments currently rely on spontaneous emission only, simulations have shown that THz light can be used to stimulate the decay towards ground state and thus increase the number of anti-atoms available for measurements. We review different possibilities at hand to generate light in the THz range required for the purpose of stimulated deexcitation. We demonstrate the effect of a blackbody type light source, which however presents drawbacks for this application including strong photoionization. Further, we report on the first THz transitions in a beam of Rydberg caesium atoms induced by photomixers and conclude with the implications of the results for the antihydrogen case.