Abstract
Long-lived circular Rydberg atoms are picking up increasing interest for boosting coherence times in Rydberg-based quantum simulation. We elaborate a novel approach to stabilize circular Rydberg states against spontaneous and blackbody-induced decay using a suppression capacitor made from indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films, which combine reflection of microwaves with transparency in the visible spectral range. To this end, we perform detailed characterization of such films using complementary spectroscopic methods at GHz and THz frequencies and identify conditions that allow for reaching circular-state lifetimes up to tens of milliseconds in a room-temperature environment. We discuss prospects of our findings in view of the quest for quantum simulations with high-$n$ circular Rydberg states at room temperature.
Highlights
Ultracold Rydberg atoms have recently shown fascinating means for realizing a versatile platform for applications in quantum simulation and quantum information processing
We report on detailed millimeter-wave investigations of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films of different thickness and sheet resistance using a combination of complementary spectroscopy methods, which allow us to infer microwave properties of the films covering a frequency range from 100 MHz up to 1 THz
We have elaborated a new approach to stabilize high-n circular Rydberg states against spontaneous and blackbody-induced decay in a transparent, microwave-reflecting cavity formed by ITO-coated glass plates
Summary
Ultracold Rydberg atoms have recently shown fascinating means for realizing a versatile platform for applications in quantum simulation and quantum information processing. Circular Rydberg atoms have been extensively explored in atomic beam experiments [10,11,12] Their individual interaction with microwave photons trapped in high-quality resonators allowed for fundamental studies of cavity quantum electrodynamics [13]. A quantum simulator based on very long-lived circular Rydberg states should allow for optical trapping inside a microwave resonator, which poses stringent limitations for optical access and for trapping ensembles of atoms in defect-free tweezer arrays [9]. We explore the feasibility to realize a capacitor for suppressing high-n circular Rydberg state decay with indium tin oxide (ITO) films [Fig. 1(a)] Such a capacitor has to combine high reflectivity in the microwave domain with transparency for visible to short near-infrared wavelengths. To stabilize circular Rydberg states for tens of milliseconds even in a room temperature environment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
