Cavity Tools for Topological Quantum Optics with Rydberg Polaritons: Part I

Probing strongly interacting quantum systems is a goal spanning diverse questions and experimental platforms.  Hybrid particles known as Rydberg polaritons have emerged as a platform to study quantum many-body physics. These particles are part photon and part atomic Rydberg excitation, combining the strong interactions of Rydberg atoms with the quantum optics toolkit.

In this talk, I will describe the development of a novel optical resonator for use with cavity Rydberg polaritons. Aspheric lenses are used inside the cavity to sculpt the spectrum to degeneracy of many modes. Despite these intracavity lenses, backreflections are suppressed to the part-per-billion level. The features of this cavity, with Rydberg atoms inside of it, will allow for direct studies of topologically ordered materials. I will discuss the mechanisms behind these cavity properties, as well as experimental results.