• Featured in Physics
  • Rapid Communication

Experimental observation of magic-wavelength behavior of Rb87 atoms in an optical lattice

N. Lundblad, M. Schlosser, and J. V. Porto
Phys. Rev. A 81, 031611(R) – Published 29 March 2010; Erratum Phys. Rev. A 81, 049904 (2010)
Physics logo See Synopsis: Something magic in the alkalis

Abstract

We demonstrate the cancellation of the differential ac Stark shift of the microwave hyperfine clock transition in trapped Rb87 atoms. Recent progress in metrology exploits so-called magic wavelengths, whereby an atomic ensemble can be trapped with laser light whose wavelength is chosen so that both levels of an optical atomic transition experience identical ac Stark shifts. Similar magic-wavelength techniques are not possible for the microwave hyperfine transitions in the alkali metals due to their simple electronic structure. We show, however, that ac Stark shift cancellation is indeed achievable for certain values of wavelength, polarization, and magnetic field. The cancellation comes at the expense of a small magnetic-field sensitivity. The technique demonstrated here has implications for experiments involving the precise control of optically trapped neutral atoms.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 8 December 2009
  • Corrected 13 April 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.81.031611

©2010 American Physical Society

Corrections

13 April 2010

Erratum

Synopsis

Key Image

Something magic in the alkalis

Published 29 March 2010

Rubidium atoms trapped in optical lattices are shown to exhibit a magic-wavelength behavior.

See more in Physics

Authors & Affiliations

N. Lundblad1,2,*, M. Schlosser3, and J. V. Porto2

  • 1Department of Physics & Astronomy, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine 04240, USA
  • 2Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
  • 3Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schlossgartenstraße 7, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany

  • *nlundbla@bates.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 81, Iss. 3 — March 2010

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×