Microwave spectroscopy and Zeeman effect of cesium $(n+2)D_{5/2}\rightarrow nF_{J}$ Rydberg transitions

Abstract

We report on high-resolution microwave spectroscopy of cesium Rydberg $(n+2)D_{5/2}\rightarrow nF_{J}$ transitions in a cold atomic gas. Atoms laser-cooled and trapped in a magnetic-optical trap are prepared in the $D$ Rydberg state using a two-photon laser excitation scheme. A microwave field transmitted into the chamber with a microwave horn drives the Rydberg transitions, which are probed via state selective field ionization. Varying duration and power of the microwave pulse, we observe Fourier side-band spectra as well as damped, on-resonant Rabi oscillations with pulse areas up to $\gtrsim 3 \pi$. Furthermore, we investigate the Zeeman effect of the clearly resolved $nF_J$ fine-structure levels in fields up to 120~mG, where the transition into $nF_{7/2}$ displays a thee-peak Zeeman pattern, while $nF_{5/2}$ shows a two-peak pattern. Our theoretical models explain all observed spectral characteristics, showing good agreement with the experiment. Our measurements provide a pathway for the study of high-angular-momentum Rydberg states, initialization and coherent manipulation of such states, Rydberg-atom macrodimers, and other Rydberg-atom interactions. Furthermore, the presented methods are suitable for calibration of microwave radiation as well as for nulling and calibration of DC magnetic fields in experimental chambers for cold atoms.