Microwave spectroscopy and Zeeman effect of (n+2)D_5/2->F_J of Rydberg transition

We present the high-resolution microwave spectroscopy of the (n + 2)D_5/2 → nF_J Rydberg transitions in a cold cesium atomic gas. The cold (n+2)D_5/2 Rydberg atoms are prepared by using a two-step laser excitation scheme and interact with a microwave field that couples the (n + 2)D_5/2 → nF_J transition. The initial D state and microwave induced F state atoms are probed via a state selective field ionization technique. Varying duration and power of the microwave pulse, we observe Fourier sideband spectra and damped, on-resonant Rabi oscillations. We also investigate the Zeeman effect, which clearly resolve nF_J fine-structure levels in fields up to 120 mG, where the transition into nF_7/2 displays a three-peak Zeeman pattern, while nF_5/2 shows a two-peak pattern. Our theoretical model explains all observed spectral characteristics, showing good agreement with the measurements. Our measurements provide a pathway for the study of high-angular-momentum Rydberg states, initialization and coherent manipulation of such states, Rydberg atom macrodimers, and other Rydberg-atom interactions. Furthermore, the presented methods are suitable for calibration of microwave radiation as well as for nulling and calibration of dc magnetic fields in experimental chambers for cold atoms.