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Physical Review Letters

Field-Induced Electron-Ion Recombination: A Novel Route towards Neutral (Anti-)matter

C. Wesdorp, F. Robicheaux, Lambertus D. Noordam

Published Apr 24, 2000• 53 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present a novel approach to the preparation of neutral (anti-)matter. The scheme is based on recombination of a free electron and an ion, and can be considered as the inverse of pulsed field ionization. We have obtained promising results on rubidium: at low densities already efficiencies of 0.3% were obtained. This is orders of magnitude more than has been achieved in previous recombination studies.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.84.3799

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We present a novel approach to the preparation of neutral (anti-)matter. The scheme is based on recombination of a free electron and an ion, and can be considered as the inverse of pulsed field ionization. We have obtained promising results on rubidium: at low densities already efficiencies of 0.3% were obtained. This is orders of magnitude more than has been achieved in previous recombination studies.
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This volume offers a timely look at Rydberg states of atoms in external fields and dielectronic recombination. Each topic provides authoritative coverage, presents a fresh account of a flourishing field of current atomic physics and introduces new opportunities for discovery and development. Topics considered include electron-atom scattering in external fields; observations of regular and irregular motion as exemplified by the quadratic zeeman effect and other systems; Rydberg atoms in external fields and the Coulomb geometry; crossed-field effects in the absorption spectrum of lithium in a magnetic field; precise studies of static electric field ionization; widths and shapes of stark resonances in sodium above the saddle point; studies of electric field effects and barium autoionizing resonances; autoionization and dielectronic recombination in plasma electric microfields; dielectronic recombination measurements on multicharged ions; merged beam studies of dielectronic recombination; Rydberg atoms and dielectronic recombination in astrophysics; and observations on dielectronic recombination.
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The pulsed-field recombination scheme is used to recombine free electrons with Li+{\mathrm{Li}}^{+}Li+ ions to produce neutral Li atoms in a high Rydberg state $(n\ensuremath{\approx}180).$ The experimental conditions are similar to the conditions under which antiprotons and positrons are recombined to produce cold antihydrogen. In the current experiments we have trapped electrons in a Penning trap $(B\ensuremath{\approx}35\mathrm{mT}).$ Subsequently these electrons were recombined with spatially separated Li+{\mathrm{Li}}^{+}Li+ ions. The recorded efficiency is 2.0% versus 0.3% in previous experiments with atomic ions. Several experiments and simulations were performed to study the dynamics of pulsed-field recombination in more detail.