Measuring the Rydberg constant using circular Rydberg atoms in an intensity-modulated optical lattice

Ramos, Andira; Moore, Kaitlin; Raithel, Georg

doi:10.1103/physreva.96.032513

Cited by 30 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Another interesting possibility is the spectroscopy of Rydberg states in hydrogen-like ions 190 or many-electron atoms 191 , exploiting the very high theoretical accuracy due to the strong suppression of QED corrections.…”

Section: Spectroscopy Effortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The proton size

2020

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The proton charge radius has been measured since the 1950s using elastic electron-proton scattering and ordinary hydrogen atomic spectroscopy. In 2010, a highly accurate measurement of the proton charge radius using, for the first time, muonic hydrogen spectroscopy unexpectedly led to controversy, as the value disagreed with the previously accepted one. Since then, atomic and nuclear physicists have been trying to understand this discrepancy by checking theories, questioning experimental methods and performing new experiments. Recently, two measurements from electron scattering and ordinary hydrogen spectroscopy were found to agree with results from muonic atom spectroscopy. Is the 'proton-radius puzzle' now resolved? In this Review, we scrutinize the experimental studies of the proton radius to gain insight on this issue. We provide a brief history of the proton before describing the techniques used to measure its radius and the current status of the field. We assess the precision and reliability of available experimental data, with particular focus on the most recent results. Finally, we discuss the forthcoming new generation of refined experiments and theoretical calculations that aim to definitely end the debate on the proton size. Key points• The charge radius of the proton can be determined using two different experimental techniques: measurements of electron-proton elastic scattering cross sections and high-resolution spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom.• A decade ago, the precision of the atomic spectroscopy method was greatly improved using muonic hydrogen atoms, wherein the electron is replaced by a muon. However, the value of the proton radius was in disagreement with previous determinations, giving rise to the 'proton-radius puzzle'.• The latest results from refined scattering and spectroscopy experiments agree with the muonic value. This questions the estimation of systematic uncertainties in previous scattering and ordinary hydrogen experiments.• More measurements are needed to confirm or disprove this trend. Various projects are in progress, aiming to improve some aspects of existing techniques or using new approaches. Website summary:The charge radius of the proton is controversial as measurements by different methods disagree. Recent results indicate that these measurements might be reconciled. In this Review, we discuss the experimental techniques used to measure the proton radius and describe the current status of the field as well as forthcoming experiments.

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Section: Spectroscopy Effortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The proton size

2020

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“…Well-known techniques (including SAS) could then be employed [86], and it may be possible to generate useful signals using narrow-band lasers [87]. Measurements using the Ramsay separated oscillatory field method [88], or variations [89], with Rydberg Ps could help shed some light on the proton radius puzzle [90][91][92], and would be complimentary to measurements using other Rydberg systems where the proton influence is reduced [93][94][95]. It is worth pointing out that more sophisticated excitation schemes, such as Doppler free or chirped pulse excitation, would not be beneficial with the present hot Ps since we would then simply generate more hot atoms that would not be guided.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiring electrostatic guide for Rydberg positronium

et al. 2019

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We report the results of experiments in which positronium (Ps) atoms, optically excited to Rydberg-Stark states with principal quantum numbers ranging from n = 13 to 19, were transported along the axis of a multiring electrode structure. By applying alternate positive and negative potentials to the ring electrodes, inhomogeneous electric fields suitable for guiding low-field-seeking atoms along the guide axis were generated. The multiring configuration used has the advantage that once the atoms are confined within it appropriate time-varying fields can be generated for deceleration and trapping. However, in this type of structure the possibility of nonadiabatic transitions of the fast (100 km/s) Ps atoms to unconfined high-field-seeking states exists. We show that for typical guiding fields this is not a significant loss mechanism and that efficient Ps transport can be achieved. Our data are in accordance with a Landau-Zener analysis of adiabatic transport through the field minima and Monte Carlo simulations that take into account Ps velocity distributions, electric dipole moments, and lifetimes, as well as the electric-field distributions in the guide.

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“…With maximal Stark shifts of less than 1 MHz over field ranges of more than 5 V cm −1 , these transitions are ideally suited for experiments aiming at coupling Rydberg atoms and solid-state devices, dipole-blockade experiments, and possibly precision measurements of the Rydberg constant using Rydberg-Rydberg transitions [36].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%