Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics
Long-range interactions between alkali Rydberg atom pairs correlated to thens–ns,np–np andnd–nd asymptotes
Kilian Singer, Jovica Stanojevic, Matthias Weidemüller, Robin Côté
Abstract
We have calculated the long-range interaction potential curves of highly excited Rydberg atom pairs for the combinations Li–Li, Na–Na, K–K, Rb–Rb and Cs–Cs in a perturbative approach. The dispersion C -coefficients are determined for all symmetries of molecular states that correlate to the n s– n s, n p– n p and n d– n d asymptotes. Fitted parameters are given for the scaling of the C -coefficients as a function of the principal quantum number n for all homonuclear pairs of alkali metal atoms.