arXiv subjects

Jacques Robert

Publications and source records attributed to Jacques Robert.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Excitation of $^{87}$Rb Rydberg atoms to nS and nD states (n$\leq$68) via an optical nanofiber

Cold Rydberg atoms are a promising platform for quantum technologies and combining them with optical waveguides has the potential to create robust quantum information devices. Here, we experimentally observe the excitation of cold rubidium atoms to a large range of Rydberg S and D states through interaction with the evanescent field of an optical nanofiber. We develop a theoretical model to account for experimental phenomena present such as the AC Stark shifts and the Casimir-Polder interaction. This work strengthens the knowledge of Rydberg atom interactions with optical nanofibers and is a critical step toward the implementation of all-fiber quantum networks and waveguide QED systems using highly excited atoms.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Quantum State Preparation of Hydrogen Atoms by Hyperfine Quenching

We discuss the use of a region of uniform and constant magnetic field in order to implement a two-state atomic polarizer for an H(2S) beam. We have observed that a device with such field configuration is capable of achieving an efficient polarization for a wide range of magnetic field intensities and atomic velocities. In addition, we establish a criterion that must be met to confirm a successful polarization. That is possible due to a specific beating pattern for the Lyman-$\alpha$ radiation expected for the outgoing two-state atomic beam.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Coherent Scattering of Near-Resonant Light by a Dense, Microscopic Cloud of Cold Two-Level Atoms: Experiment versus Theory

We measure the coherent scattering of low-intensity, near-resonant light by a cloud of laser-cooled two-level rubidium atoms with a size comparable to the wavelength of light. We isolate a two-level atomic structure by applying a 300G magnetic field. We measure both the temporal and the steady-state coherent optical response of the cloud for various detunings of the laser and for atom numbers ranging from 5 to 100. We compare our results to a microscopic coupled-dipole model and to a multi-mode, paraxial Maxwell-Bloch model. In the low-intensity regime, both models are in excellent agreement, thus validating the Maxwell-Bloch model. Comparing to the data, the models are found in very good agreement for relatively low densities ($n/k^3\lesssim 0.1$), while significant deviations start to occur at higher density. This disagreement indicates that light scattering in dense, cold atomic ensembles is still not quantitatively understood, even in pristine experimental conditions.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Accurate density measurement of a cold Rydberg gas via non collisional two-body transitions

We experimentally demonstrate an original method to measure very accurately the density of a frozen Rydberg gas. It is based on the use of adiabatic transitions induced by the long-range dipole-dipole interaction in pairs of nearest neighbor Rydberg atoms by sweeping an electric field with time. The efficiency of this two-body process is experimentally tunable, depends strongly on the density of the gas and can be accurately calculated. The analysis of this efficiency leads to an accurate determination of the Rydberg gas density, and to a calibration of the Rydberg detection. Our method does not require any prior knowledge or estimation of the volume occupied by the Rydberg gas, or of the efficiency of the detection.

quant-ph↗