Absolute frequency measurements of 85Rb nF7/2 Rydberg states using purely optical detection

Abstract

A three-step laser excitation scheme is used to make absolute frequency measurements of highly excited nF7/2 Rydberg states in 85Rb for principal quantum numbers n=33-100. This work demonstrates the first absolute frequency measurements of rubidium Rydberg levels using a purely optical detection scheme. The Rydberg states are excited in a heated Rb vapour cell and Doppler free signals are detected via purely optical means. All of the frequency measurements are made using a wavemeter which is calibrated against a GPS disciplined self-referenced optical frequency comb. We find that the measured levels have a very high frequency stability, and are especially robust to electric fields. The apparatus has allowed measurements of the states to an accuracy of 8.0MHz. The new measurements are analysed by extracting the modified Rydberg-Ritz series parameters.

12 pages, 5 figures, submitted to New. J. Phys

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• Quantum sensing of microwave electric fields based on Rydberg atoms
• Doppler- and recoil-free laser excitation of Rydberg states via three-photon transitions
• Very-high- and ultrahigh- frequency electric field detection using high angular momentum Rydberg states
• Transition frequency measurement of highly excited Rydberg states of 87Rb for a wide range of principal quantum numbers
• Chirped Multi-photon adiabatic passage for a four-level ladder-type Rydberg excitation
• On the spectrum, radial wave functions, and hyperfine splittings of the Rydberg states in heavy alkali atoms
• Stern-Gerlach interferometry in three dimensions: the role of transverse fields