Systems of trapped ions and systems of ultracold Rydberg atoms are used at the forefront of quantum physics research and they make strong contenders as platforms for quantum technologies. Trapped Rydberg ions are a new hybrid technology envisaged to have both the exquisite control of trapped ion systems and the strong interactions of Rydberg atoms. In this work a single trapped Rydberg ion is experimentally investigated. A trapped strontium ion is excited to Rydberg states using two ultraviolet lasers. Effects of the strong trapping electric fields on the highly-sensitive Rydberg ion are studied. After mitigating unwanted trap effects, the ion is coherently excited to Rydberg states and a quantum gate is demonstrated. This thesis lays much of the experimental groundwork for research using this novel system.

This book describes the state-of-the-art in the emerging field of optical trapping of ions, as well as the most recent advances enabling the use of this technique as a versatile tool for novel investigations in atomic physics. The text provides a detailed explanation of the requirements for optical trapping of ions, replete with a protocol for optical ion trapping, including preparation, transfer, and detection. The book also highlights the experimental requirements for extending the presented scheme to optical trapping of linear ion chains. Lastly, this text elaborates on the key features of the described approach, such as the capability to arrange single strongly interacting atoms in scalable, state-selective and wavelength-sized optical potentials without the detrimental impact of driven radiofrequency fields conventionally used to trap ions. The described results demonstrate that the developed methods are suitable for new experimental investigations, most notably in the field of ultracold interaction of ions and atoms, but also in quantum simulations and metrology. The book's practical bent is perfect for anyone attempting to build an experiment related to the field or understand the limitations behind current experiments.

Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, Volume 69, the latest release in this ongoing series, provides a comprehensive compilation of recent developments in a field that is in a state of rapid growth, as new experimental and theoretical techniques are used on many problems, both old and new. Topics covered in this new release include Strong-field ion spectroscopy, Configurable microscopic optical potentials, Polaritons, Rydberg excitation of trapped cold ions - a new platform for quantum technologies, High intensity QED, Recollision imaging, and more. - Presents the work of international experts in the field - Contains comprehensive articles that compile recent developments in a field that is experiencing rapid growth, with new experimental and theoretical techniques emerging - Ideal for users interested in optics, excitons, plasmas and thermodynamics - Covers atmospheric science, astrophysics, and surface and laser physics, amongst other topics

The counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics have been long illustrated by thought experiments, from Einstein's photon box to Schrödinger's cat. These experiments have now become real, with single particles - electrons, atoms, or photons - directly unveiling the strange features of the quantum. State superpositions, entanglement and complementarity define a novel quantum logic which can be harnessed for information processing, raising great hopes for applications. This book describes a class of such thought experiments made real. Juggling with atoms and photons confined in cavities, ions or cold atoms in traps, is here an incentive to shed a new light on the basic concepts of quantum physics. Measurement processes and decoherence at the quantum-classical boundary are highlighted. This volume, which combines theory and experiments, will be of interest to students in quantum physics, teachers seeking illustrations for their lectures and new problem sets, researchers in quantum optics and quantum information.

This Fermi Summer School of Physics on "Experimental Quantum Information and Computing" represents a primer on one of the most intriguing and rapidly expanding new areas of physics. In this part, the interest in quantum information (QI) science is due to the discovery that a computer operating on quantum mechanical principles can solve certain important computational problems exponentially faster than any conceivable classical computer. But this interest is also due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field: the rapid growth is attributable, in part, to the stimulating confluence of researchers and ideas from physics, chemistry, mathematics, information theory, and computer science. Physics plays a paramount role in QI science, as we realize that computing is itself a physical process subject to physical laws. The incredible growth of classical computers and information processors in the 20th century stems from Turing's notion that a computer is independent of the physical device actually being used; be they relays, vacuum tubes, or semiconductor transistors. As we strive to build useful quantum information processors into the 21st century, we thus look for any physical system that obeys the laws of quantum mechanics, from single photons and atoms to quantum superconducting devices. These Fermi lectures take us on a journey through these and other promising current experimental candidates for QI processing, spanning quantum optics and laser physics, atomic and molecular physics, physical chemistry, and condensed-matter physics. While this broad coverage of experimental physics represents a challenge to the student, such an appreciation of these fields will be critical in the future success of quantum technology. Indeed, the most exciting feature of QI science is that the technology ultimately leading to a quantum processor is likely presently unknown.

A self-contained presentation of the theory of quantum processes, quantum evolution and the experimental methods for quantum measurement.

This text on precision frequency measurement and its key enabling techniques includes reviews written by some of the most experienced researchers in their respective fields. This text should prove useful to researchers just entering the field of frequency metrology and standards, or equally well to the experienced practitioner.