Development of a high-power ultraviolet laser system and observation of fast coherent Rydberg excitation of ytterbium

TL;DR

This paper reports the development of a high-power UV laser system at 325 nm with noise suppression, enabling coherent Rydberg excitation of ytterbium atoms, which advances quantum simulation and computing capabilities.

Contribution

A novel high-power, low-noise UV laser system at 325 nm was developed, facilitating coherent Rydberg excitation in ytterbium for quantum applications.

Findings

Achieved over 800 mW output power at 325 nm.

Demonstrated coherent Rydberg excitation with a Rabi frequency of 2.13 MHz.

Enabled high-fidelity Rydberg state manipulation.

Abstract

We present the development of a high-power ultraviolet laser system operating at a wavelength of 325 nm for Rydberg excitation from the ${}^3\mathrm{P}_2$ state of ytterbium. Utilizing a two-stage frequency doubling scheme, we achieved an output power exceeding 800 mW. The system effectively suppresses frequency noise in the MHz range, which is critical for achieving high Rydberg excitation fidelity, through the use of a filtering cavity. Using this system, we demonstrated coherent excitation of the $(6s71s){}^3\mathrm{S}_1$ Rydberg state with a Rabi frequency of 2.13(3) MHz. Combined with our successful manipulations on the ${}^1\mathrm{S}_0-{}^3\mathrm{P}_2$ transition, this work represents a foundational step toward achieving high-fidelity Rydberg excitation, enabling advancements in quantum simulation and computing with neutral atom arrays.