Strong coupling of Rydberg atoms and surface phonon polaritons on piezoelectric superlattices

摘要

We propose a hybrid quantum system where the strong coupling regime can beachieved between a Rydberg atomic ensemble and propagating surface phononpolaritons on a piezoelectric superlattice. By exploiting the large electricdipole moment and long lifetime of Rydberg atoms as well as tightly confinedsurface phonon polariton modes, it is possible to achieve a coupling constantfar exceeding the relevant decay rates. The frequency of the surface mode canbe selected so it is resonant with a Rydberg transition by engineering thepiezoelectric superlattice. We describe a way to observe the Rabi splittingassociated with the strong coupling regime under realistic experimentalconditions. The system can be viewed as a new type of optomechanical system.