6533b7d3fe1ef96bd1261530

RESEARCH PRODUCT

AC-Stark shift and photoionization of Rydberg atoms in an optical dipole trap

A. VoglerPeter WürtzHerwig OttAndreas KoglbauerT. GerickeF. Markert

subject

PhysicsFree electron modelAtomic Physics (physics.atom-ph)General Physics and AstronomyFOS: Physical sciencesPhotoionizationSpectral linePhysics - Atomic Physicssymbols.namesakeDipoleStark effectRydberg atomsymbolsRydberg formulaPhysics::Atomic PhysicsRydberg stateAtomic physics

description

We have measured the AC-Stark shift of the $14D_{5/2}$ Rydberg state of rubidium 87 in an optical dipole trap formed by a focussed CO$_2$-laser. We find good quantitative agreement with the model of a free electron experiencing a ponderomotive potential in the light field. In order to reproduce the observed spectra we take into account the broadening of the Rydberg state due to photoionization. The extracted cross-section is compatible with previous measurements on neighboring Rydberg states.

https://dx.doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.1011.0837