Work

Microwave spectroscopy and multichannel quantum defect analysis of ytterbium 6 s n p , 6 s n f , and 6 s n g Rydberg states

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The complex Rydberg structure of ytterbium atoms is shaped by multiple low-lying ion-core-excited states and strong channel interactions, which presents both opportunities and challenges for quantum information processing and precision metrology. In this work, we extend high-resolution microwave spectroscopy and multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) modeling of singly excited $6sn\ensuremath{\ell}$ Rydberg states in $^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$ and $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$ to include the $\ensuremath{\ell}=3$ ($f$) and $\ensuremath{\ell}=4$ ($g$) series. Our measurements reveal $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}f$ mixing in odd-parity Rydberg states of $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$, which we incorporate by combined MQDT models for $6snp$ and $6snf$ series. Additionally, we observe that for $\ensuremath{\ell}=4$ the spin-orbit interaction dominates over the exchange interaction, such that the $6sng$ states are more accurately described in a $jj$-coupled basis. We validate our models by comparing the predicted Land\'e $g$ factors and static dipole polarizabilities with experimental measurements, finding excellent agreement. These results provide important input for designing high-fidelity entangling gates with ytterbium atoms.

Source: Physical Review A

DOI: 10.1103/mzsv-rckx

Authors: Rin Kuroda, Vernon M. Hughes, Martin Poitrinal, Michael Peper, Jeff D. Thompson

Institution: Princeton University

Language: English

Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green