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| Title: | Observation of Resonant Electric Dipole-Dipole Interactions Between Cold Rydberg Atoms Using Microwave Spectroscopy |
| Authors: | Afrousheh, Kourosh |
| Keywords: | Physics & Astronomy
Resonant
Dipole
Rydberg Atoms
Microwave
Spectroscopy |
| Approved Date: | 2006 |
| Date Submitted: | 2006 |
| Abstract: | This thesis reports the first observation of the resonant electric dipole-dipole interaction between cold Rydberg atoms using microwave spectroscopy, the observation of the magnetic field suppression of resonant interactions, and the development of a unique technique for precise magnetic field measurements.
A Rydberg state 46d5/2 of laser cooled 85Rb atoms has been optically excited. A fraction of these atoms has been transferred to another Rydberg state 47p3/2 or 45f5/2,7/2 to introduce resonant electric dipole-dipole interactions. The line broadening of the two-photon 46d5/2-47d5/2 microwave transition due to the interaction of 46d5/2 with 47p3/2 or 45f5/2,7/2 atoms has been used as a probe of the interatomic interactions. This experiment has been repeated with a DC magnetic field applied. The application of a weak magnetic field (≤0. 6G) has reduced the line broadening due to the resonant electric dipole-dipole interaction, indicating that the interactions are suppressed by the field. Theoretical models have been developed that predict the energy shifts due to the resonant electric dipole-dipole interaction, and the suppression of interactions by magnetic fields. A novel technique for sensitive measurement of magnetic fields using the 34s1/2-34p1/2 one-photon microwave transition has also been presented. Using this technique, it has been possible to calibrate magnetic fields in the magneto-optical trap (MOT) apparatus to less than 10mG, and put an upper bound of 17mG on any remaining field inhomogeneity. |
| Department: | Physics |
| Degree: | Doctor of Philosophy |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10012/2970 |
| Appears in Collections: | Electronic Theses and Dissertations (UW)
Faculty of Science Theses and Dissertations
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