Strong Spin-Motion Coupling in the Ultrafast Dynamics of Rydberg Atoms

Understand

Rydberg atoms in optical lattices and tweezers is now a well established platform for simulating quantum spin systems.

• However, the role of the atoms' spatial wavefunction has not been examined in detail experimentally.
• Here, we show a strong spin-motion coupling emerging from the large variation of the interaction potential over the wavefunction spread.
• We observe its clear signature on the ultrafast many-body nanosecond-dynamics of atoms excited to a Rydberg $S$ state, using picosecond pulses, from an unity-filling atomic Mott-insulator.