Rydberg atom-enabled spectroscopy of polar molecules via F\"orster resonance energy transfer

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for non-destructive, state-resolved spectroscopy of polar molecules using Rydberg atoms and F"orster resonance energy transfer, controllable via DC electric fields.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, controllable spectroscopy technique leveraging Rydberg atoms for detecting polar molecules without destruction, applicable with current technology.

Findings

Identified conditions for collision-mediated spectroscopy.

Showed control of energy transfer via electric fields.

Proposed application in quantum technologies.

Abstract

Non-radiative energy transfer between a Rydberg atom and a polar molecule can be controlled by a DC electric field. Here we show how to exploit this control for state-resolved, non-destructive detection and spectroscopy of the molecules where the lineshape reflects the type of molecular transition. Using the example of ammonia, we identify the conditions for collision-mediated spectroscopy in terms of the required electric field strengths, relative velocities, and molecular densities. Rydberg atom-enabled spectroscopy is feasible with current experimental technology, providing a versatile detection method as basic building block for applications of polar molecules in quantum technologies and chemical reaction studies.