Events at Physics |
In this work we present experimental results in reducing the dc polarizability of Rydberg states by a factor of 7, using an off-resonant microwave dressing field. These experimental results are compared to a model for the dressed atom system. We also present analytical and numerical models for the excitation of Cesium atoms to Rydberg states via a quadrupole-dipole excitation scheme with reduced sensitivity to Doppler shifts, a significant source of noise in entangling gates requiring ground-Rydberg coherence for high fidelity operation. These models are used to engineer an experimental effort which demonstrates the first Rydberg Rabi oscillations using this scheme. Finally, we present a path forward for the Rydberg atom-microwave cavity coupling effort, using a bulk microwave cavity which requires atoms be placed further from surfaces, reducing the effects of dc electric field noise.