Photoionization rates of Cs Rydberg atoms in a 1064-nm far-off-resonance trap

Experimental measurements of photoionization rates of nD5/2 Rydberg states of Cs (50≤n≤75) in a 1064-nm far off-resonance dipole trap are presented. The photoionization rates are obtained by measuring the lifetimes of Rydberg atoms produced inside of a 1064-nm far off-resonance trap and comparing the lifetimes to corresponding control experiments in a magneto-optical trap. Experimental results for the control experiments agree with recent theoretical predictions for Rydberg state lifetimes and measured photoionization rates are in agreement with transition rates calculated from a model potential.