Autler-Townes splitting in the trap-loss fluorescence spectroscopy due to single-step direct Rydberg excitation of cesium cold atomic ensemble

TL;DR

This paper experimentally studies Autler-Townes splitting in trap-loss spectra of cesium Rydberg atoms excited by a single-step ultraviolet laser, revealing parameter dependencies and measuring atomic temperature, with implications for quantum technologies.

Contribution

It demonstrates the observation of Autler-Townes splitting in trap-loss spectroscopy due to single-step Rydberg excitation using a tunable ultraviolet laser, and includes laser stabilization and temperature measurement techniques.

Findings

Autler-Townes splitting observed in trap-loss spectra.

Parameter dependence of the splitting analyzed.

Effective atomic temperature measured via time-of-flight imaging.

Abstract

We experimentally investigate trap-loss spectra of the cesium 6S1/2(F=4)-71P3/2 Rydberg state by combining the cesium atomic magneto-optical trap with the narrow-linewidth, continuously-tunable 318.6 nm ultraviolet laser. That is, the atoms in the magneto-optical trap are excited to the Rydberg state due to the ultraviolet laser single-step Rydberg excitation, which leads to the reduction of atomic fluorescence. Based on the trap-loss spectroscopy technology, the Autler-Townes splitting due to strong cooling laser is observed, and the parameter dependence of the AT splitting interval of trap-loss spectroscopy is investigated. Furthermore, the effective temperature of cold atoms is measured by means of simplified time-of-flight fluorescence imaging. In addition, closed-loop positive feedback power stabilization of 318.6 nm ultraviolet laser is carried out. This lays the foundation for further experimental research related to Rydberg atoms using ultraviolet lasers, which is of great significance for the development of quantum computing and quantum information fields.