Abstract
The technique of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) is used to excite laser-cooled rubidium atoms from the ground state to the Rydberg state through the state. The utilized double-STIRAP scheme allows for an accurate determination of the absolute excitation efficiency. Experimental data are compared with results of a detailed theoretical model, and good agreement is found. It is concluded that at the center of the excitation region an excitation efficiency of 70% is achieved.
- Received 1 February 2005
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.72.023405
©2005 American Physical Society