Rydberg atom-enabled spectroscopy of polar molecules via Förster resonance energy transfer

Abstract

Non-radiative energy transfer between a Rydberg atom and a polar molecule can be controlled by a DC electric field. Here we show how to exploit this control for state-resolved, non-destructive detection and spectroscopy of the molecules where the lineshape reflects the type of molecular transition. Using the example of ammonia, we identify the conditions for collision-mediated spectroscopy in terms of the required electric field strengths, relative velocities, and molecular densities. Rydberg atom-enabled spectroscopy is feasible with current experimental technology, providing a versatile detection method as basic building block for applications of polar molecules in quantum technologies and chemical reaction studies.

Probing van der Waals interactions and detecting polar molecules by Förster-resonance energy transfer with Rydberg atoms at temperatures below 100 mK

“…These observations represent essential input for future studies of dipole-bound states of Rydberg atoms and polar ground-state molecules, and for the implementation of proposed schemes for coherent control, cooling, and sensing in this hybrid system [19][20][21][22]. Investigations of effects of higher-order multipole interactions [37], and Rydbergelectron scattering from NH 3 [38,39] will be valuable in achieving a more nuanced interpretation of the data.…”