title: Strong Coupling of Rydberg Atoms and Surface Phonon Polaritons on Piezoelectric Superlattices.
abstract: We propose a hybrid quantum system where the strong coupling regime can be achieved between a Rydberg atomic ensemble and propagating surface phonon polaritons on a piezoelectric superlattice. By exploiting the large electric dipole moment and long lifetime of Rydberg atoms as well as tightly confined surface phonon polariton modes, it is possible to achieve a coupling constant far exceeding the relevant decay rates. The frequency of the surface mode can be selected so that it is resonant with a Rydberg transition by engineering the piezoelectric superlattice. We describe a way to observe the Rabi splitting associated with the strong coupling regime under realistic experimental conditions. The system can be viewed as a new type of optomechanical system.
authors.affiliation: Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Oklahoma, 440 West Brooks Street, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA.
authors.forename: Jiteng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.affiliation: Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Oklahoma, 440 West Brooks Street, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA.
authors.forename: Yuanxi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.affiliation: Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Oklahoma, 440 West Brooks Street, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA.
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Shaffer