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arXiv · 1011.0837

AC-Stark shift and photoionization of Rydberg atoms in an optical dipole trap

F. Markert·P. Würtz·A. Koglbauer·T. Gericke·A. Vogler·H. Ott
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Abstract

We have measured the AC-Stark shift of the $14D_{5/2}$ Rydberg state of rubidium 87 in an optical dipole trap formed by a focussed CO$_2$-laser. We find good quantitative agreement with the model of a free electron experiencing a ponderomotive potential in the light field. In order to reproduce the observed spectra we take into account the broadening of the Rydberg state due to photoionization. The extracted cross-section is compatible with previous measurements on neighboring Rydberg states.

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F. Markert, P. Würtz, A. Koglbauer, T. Gericke, A. Vogler, H. Ott. 2010-11-03. AC-Stark shift and photoionization of Rydberg atoms in an optical dipole trap. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630%2F12%2F11%2F113003

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