Controlling Rydberg Atoms with Microwaves

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this research is to explore experimentally the response of excited atoms to microwave fields at frequencies comparable to the natural frequencies of the atoms. In principle, such a field converts a quantum mechanical atom to a nearly classical atom in which the atomic electron's motion is locked to the external field. The extent to which the atom has become classical is probed using laser pulses to determine where the electron is at different phases of the microwave field. Experiments to explore the feasibility of changing the quantum state of the atom by changing the microwave frequency are planned. Overall, the program should enhance the understanding of the relation between quantum and classical systems and provide new insights into ways to control quantum systems.