Emergence of Synchronization in a Driven-Dissipative Hot Rydberg Vapor

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Oct 6;131(14):143002. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.143002.

Abstract

We observe synchronization in a thermal (35-60 °C) atomic (Rb) ensemble driven to a highly excited Rydberg state (principle quantum number n ranging from 43 to 79). Synchronization in this system is unexpected due to the atomic motion; however, we show theoretically that sufficiently strong interactions via a global Rydberg density mean field cause frequency and phase entrainment. The emergent oscillations in the vapor's bulk quantities are detected in the transmission of the probe laser for a two-photon excitation scheme.