Imaging single Rydberg electrons in a Bose–Einstein condensate. (27th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karpiuk, Tomasz; Brewczyk, Mirosław; Rzążewski, Kazimierz; Gaj, Anita; Balewski, Jonathan B; Krupp, Alexander T; Schlagmüller, Michael; Löw, Robert; Hofferberth, Sebastian; Pfau, Tilman
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 17:Number 5(2015:May)
• Publication Date: 2015-05-27
• Subjects: Rydberg atoms -- Bose–Einstein condensation -- imaging of electron orbitals; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/17/5/053046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: The quantum mechanical states of electrons in atoms and molecules are distinct orbitals, which are fundamental for our understanding of atoms, molecules and solids. Electronic orbitals determine a wide range of basic atomic properties, allowing also for the explanation of many chemical processes. Here, we propose a novel technique to optically image the shape of electron orbitals of neutral atoms using electron–phonon coupling in a Bose–Einstein condensate. To validate our model we carefully analyze the impact of a single Rydberg electron onto a condensate and compare the results to experimental data. Our scheme requires only well-established experimental techniques that are readily available and allows for the direct capture of textbook-like spatial images of single electronic orbitals in a single shot experiment.