Charles S. Adams
Non-linear optics using Rydberg dark states
We describe our experiments on Rydberg dark states [1-4] and show how the extreme polarizability of the Rydberg energy level leads to a giant dc Kerr effect [2]. We discuss rf dressing of the dark state and potential applications in electrometry [3]. Secondly, we discuss experiments on Rydberg dark states in an ultra-cold ensemble [4], and show how the strong interactions between Rydberg atoms leads to a modification of the dark state resulting in a large optical non-linearity [5].
[1] Mohapatra et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 113003 (2007).
[2] Mohapatra et al. Nature Phys. 4, 890 (2008).
[3] Bason et al. arXiv:0906.4367
[4] Weatherill et al. J. Phys. B 41, 201002 (2008).
[5] Pritchard et al. in preparation.
