Interaction of two Rydberg atoms in the vicinity of an optical nanofibre

TL;DR

This paper investigates how two Rydberg atoms interact near an optical nanofibre, revealing unique anisotropic effects and potential wells that are crucial for developing quantum interfaces and devices.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of Rydberg atom interactions near nanofibres, highlighting symmetry breaking effects and novel interaction features.

Findings

Interaction anisotropy is reshaped by the nanofibre.

A potential well forms near the fibre for P states.

Symmetry breaking due to the fibre influences atom interactions.

Abstract

We consider two rubidium atoms, prepared in the same S or P Rydberg states near an optical nanofibre. We determine the van der Waals interaction between them and identify novel features, including the reshaping of the interaction anisotropy and the formation of an interaction potential well near the nanofibre for P states. We attribute these phenomena to the breaking of the rotation symmetry around the interatomic axis due to the presence of the fibre. Our work constitutes an important step in the assessment of Rydberg atom-nanofibre quantum interfaces and devices.