Interacting Circular Rydberg Atoms Trapped in Optical Tweezers

Authors:
  • PMPaul Méhaignerie
    Paul Méhaignerie
  • YMYohann Machu
    Yohann Machu
  • AHAndrés Durán Hernández
    Andrés Durán Hernández
  • GCGautier Creutzer
    Gautier Creutzer
  • DPDavid J. Papoular
    David J. Papoular
  • JRJean-Michel Raimond
    Jean-Michel Raimond
  • CSClément Sayrin
    Clément Sayrin
  • MBMichel Brune
    Michel Brune
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Abstract
Circular Rydberg atoms (CRAs), i.e., Rydberg atoms with maximal orbital momentum, ideally combine long coherence times and strong interactions, a key property of quantum systems, in particular for the development of quantum technologies. However, the dipole-dipole interaction between CRAs has not been observed so far. We report the measurement and characterization of the resonant dipole-dipole interaction between two CRAs, individually trapped in optical tweezers, and find excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. We demonstrate a dynamic control over the strength of the interaction by tuning the orientation of an electric field. We use the interaction between the CRAs as a meter for the interatomic distance, and record the relative motion between two atoms in their traps. This motion, that we induce through the interaction between Rydberg levels with permanent electric dipoles, transiently populated during the preparation of the circular states, is a signature of spin-motion coupling.
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