Rydberg interactions within neutral atom arrays have been utilized in quantum simulations of diverse physical systems, as well as in the generation of entangled states in quantum information applications. These Rydberg states–highly excited electronic states—are generally reached via a two-photon excitation in alkali atoms such as rubidium or cesium. However, this approach can lead to undesirable scattering from the intermediate state, which in turn may degrade the fidelity of Rydberg excitation.