Quantum Network with Rydberg blockaded atomic ensembles linked by an optical nanofiber

In this thesis, we studied the behavior of rubidium 87 atoms excited in Rydberg states and placed near an optical nanofiber. This work is motivated by the prospect of atom-nanofiber interfaces using Rydberg blocking (e.g. for the manipulation of quantum information contained in atomic nodes). More precisely, we have focused on determining the part of spontaneous emission of a Rydberg atom towards the guided modes of the nanofiber, on calculating the energy displacement (Lamb shift) generated by the nanofiber on this atom and the (Casimir-Polder) force that derives from it. We then analyzed the modifications induced by the introduction of an optical nanofiber on the van der Waals interaction potential between two Rydberg atoms. In all cases, we sought to characterize the influence on our results of the atomic quantum state (principal quantum number, orbital kinetic moment, etc.) and of the geometrical configuration. In particular, we have considered atomic states that give rise to a chiral interaction with the field near the fiber and generate, among others, directional emission phenomena. (author)