Rydberg excitation through detuned microwave transition in rubidium

Abstract: We study the excitation of Rydberg states in warm rubidium vapor. Using an inverted wavelength excitation scheme, we observe the effect of microwave coupling between Rydberg states through electromagnetically induced transparency. We observe AC stark shifts of the Rydberg states from the microwave coupling, and demonstrate detuned excitation to a secondary Rydberg state. These results show flexibility in excitation process and state selection necessary for a variety of wave-mixing processes using Rydberg states.