Precision Spectroscopy and Modeling of Ytterbium Rydberg States for Applications in Neutral Atom Quantum Computing

Abstract

Neutral atoms in optical tweezer arrays have been a versatile platform for quantum information processing, simulation, and metrology. In particular, alkaline-earth-like atoms like Sr and Yb have surged as a resourceful choice over the alkalis, with their rich internal structure and metastable 3P0 clock state. On the other hand, alkaline-earth-like atoms have a more complex energy structure due to their two valence electrons and low-lying core-excited states, and require comprehensive spectroscopic study and modeling to fully understand and harness favorable properties. To incorporate all the complex interactions, multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) is used. MQDT dates back to the 1970s and has been used to describe inert gases and alkaline-earth atoms. Recent works have developed MQDT models of 174Yb and 171Yb L ≤ 2 Rydberg states, based on laser and rf precision spectroscopy. In this thesis, we present precision spectroscopy and MQDT models of L = 3 and L = 4 Rydberg states. Additionally, measurements of D state polarizabilities and P state lifetimes are presented and discussed.