Eur. Phys. J. D 40, 13-17 (2006)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2006-00140-1

Simultaneous position and state measurement of Rydberg atoms

¹ Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, University of Amsterdam, Valckenierstraat 65, 1018 XE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
² Center for Nanophotonics, FOM Institute AMOLF, Kruislaan 407, 1098 SJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Corresponding author: ^a cditz@science.uva.nl

Received: 6 January 2006
Revised: 12 April 2006
Published online: 21 June 2006

Abstract

We present a technique for state-selective position detection of cold Rydberg atoms. Ground state Rb atoms in a magneto-optical trap are excited to a Rydberg state and are subsequently ionized with a tailored electric field pulse. This pulse selectively ionizes only atoms in e.g. the 54d state and not in the 53d state. The released electrons are detected after a slow flight towards a micro channel plate. From the time of flight of the electrons the position of the atoms is deduced. The state selectivity is about 20:1 when comparing 54d with 53d and the one-dimensional position resolution ranges from 6 to 40 μm over a range of 300 μm. This state selectivity and position resolution are sufficient to allow for the observation of coherent quantum excitation transport.