Excitation of 87 Rb Rydberg atoms to nS and nD states (n≤68) via an optical nanofiber

Cold Rydberg atoms are a promising platform for quantum technologies, and combining them with optical waveguides has the potential to create robust quantum information devices. Here, we experimentally observe the excitation of cold rubidium atoms to a large range of Rydberg S and D states through interaction with the evanescent field of an optical nanofiber. We develop a theoretical model to account for experimental phenomena present such as the AC Stark shifts and the Casimir–Polder interaction. This work strengthens the knowledge of Rydberg atom interactions with optical nanofibers and is a critical step toward the implementation of all-fiber quantum networks and waveguide quantum electrodynamics (QED) systems using highly excited atoms.