Within the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) model, we calculate electron transfer and ionization cross sections for singly charged ions colliding with Rydberg atoms in the presence of a laboratory-strength magnetic field of 4 tesla. A new method for generating a stationary microcanonical ensemble for a quasi-integrable initial-state Hamiltonian is presented. The calculated cross sections show signatures of electron capture and ionization mechanisms for the field-free case, e.g. multiple swaps and saddle-point electrons; their structure as well as their magnitude, however, are strongly modified by the presence of the magnetic field.Within the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) model, we calculate electron transfer and ionization cross sections for singly charged ions colliding with Rydberg atoms in the presence of a laboratory-strength magnetic field of 4 tesla. A new method for generating a stationary microcanonical ensemble for a quasi-integrable initial-state Hamiltonian is presented. The calculated cross sections show signatures of electron capture and ionization mechanisms for the field-free case, e.g. multiple swaps and saddle-point electrons; their structure as well as their magnitude, however, are strongly modified by the presence of the magnetic field.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical PhysicsMar 14, 199713 citations

Investigation of fine-structure quantum beats in sodium Rydberg atoms by field ionization

THOMAS H. JEYS, K. A. Smith, F. B. Dunning +1 more

Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg $\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})$ states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers $n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40$ .Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg $\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})$ states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers $n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40$.

Physical Review AJun 1, 198131 citations

Rydberg Atoms in Magnetic and Electric Fields

S. Feneuille

Springer eBooksJan 1, 19830 citations

Rydberg atoms in external electric and magnetic fields

Eliane Luc-Koenig, J. M. Lecomte

Jan 1, 19850 citations

ELECTRIC FIELD IONIZATION OF SODIUM RYDBERG ATOMS

THOMAS H. JEYS

The outer electron of a Rydberg atom is so weakly bound to the atomic core that a relatively small electric field may cause the electron to be stripped from the atom. The field strength at which this ionization happens is strongly dependent on the state of the Rydberg atom. Pulsed electric field ionization serves, therefore, not only as a means by which a Rydberg atom may be efficiently detected, but also a means by which the state of the Rydberg atom may be analyzed.\nThe first observation of predominantly diabatic passage to field ionization of a non-hydrogenic Rydberg atom has resulted in an improved understanding of the adiabatic and diabatic ionization processes. The magnitudes of the various field ionization features have been measured and found to agree with theory, and by detailed analysis, it is now possible to label the various field ionization signal features with the appropriate (VBAR)m(,l)(VBAR) quantum numbers. A much better understanding of the laser excitation process, the Rydberg state production, and the response of the excited state to an increasing electric field has enabled measurement of some Rydberg fine-structure intervals, through observation of field ionization quantum beats.The outer electron of a Rydberg atom is so weakly bound to the atomic core that a relatively small electric field may cause the electron to be stripped from the atom. The field strength at which this ionization happens is strongly dependent on the state of the Rydberg atom. Pulsed electric field ionization serves, therefore, not only as a means by which a Rydberg atom may be efficiently detected, but also a means by which the state of the Rydberg atom may be analyzed.\nThe first observation of predominantly diabatic passage to field ionization of a non-hydrogenic Rydberg atom has resulted in an improved understanding of the adiabatic and diabatic ionization processes. The magnitudes of the various field ionization features have been measured and found to agree with theory, and by detailed analysis, it is now possible to label the various field ionization signal features with the appropriate (VBAR)m(,l)(VBAR) quantum numbers. A much better understanding of the laser excitation process, the Rydberg state production, and the response of the excited state to an increasing electric field has enabled measurement of some Rydberg fine-structure intervals, through observation of field ionization quantum beats.

Jan 1, 19820 citations

Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg

\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})

states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers

n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40