Observing Giant Atoms Towards Optically Imaging Rydberg Atoms with Single Particle Sensitivity with an EMCCD Camera

Considerable effort has been directed at observing the dynamics of a many-body quantum system with single particle resolution and sensitivity which would allow the realization of quantum simulators able to address fundamental questions about quantum and classical physics. Because of their exceptionally large dipole moments associated with their large size and long-range interactions, highly-excited (Rydberg) atoms in ultracold gases could be used to investigate quantum non-linear optical effects and dipole-mediated energy transport similar to the fundamental process in photosynthesis. This application note demonstrates a new approach to optically image Rydberg atoms based on a nondestructive and state-selective technique.