Spectroscopy of cold rubidium Rydberg atoms for applications in quantum information

Abstract

Atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states have a number of unique properties\nwhich make them attractive for applications in quantum information. These are\nlarge dipole moments, lifetimes and polarizabilities, as well as strong\nlong-range interactions between Rydberg atoms. Experimental methods of laser\ncooling and precision spectroscopy enable the trapping and manipulation of\nsingle Rydberg atoms and applying them for practical implementation of quantum\ngates over qubits of a quantum computer based on single neutral atoms in\noptical traps. In this paper, we give a review of the experimental and\ntheoretical work performed by the authors at the Rzhanov Institute of\nSemiconductor Physics SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University on laser and\nmicrowave spectroscopy of cold Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap and\non their possible applications in quantum information. We also give a brief\nreview of studies done by other groups in this area.\n