The wave mechanics of atoms, molecules and ions

C. J. H. Schutte

J. E. Lennard-Jones

Markus Deiß, Shinsuke Haze, Johannes Hecker Denschlag

We present a novel binding mechanism where a neutral Rydberg atom and an atomic ion form a molecular bound state at a large internuclear distance. The binding mechanism is based on Stark shifts and level crossings that are induced in the Rydberg atom due to the electric field of the ion. At particular internuclear distances between the Rydberg atom and the ion, potential wells occur that can hold atom–ion molecular bound states. Apart from the binding mechanism, we describe important properties of the long-range atom–ion Rydberg molecule, such as its lifetime and decay paths, its vibrational and rotational structure, and its large dipole moment. Furthermore, we discuss methods of how to produce and detect it. The unusual properties of the long-range atom–ion Rydberg molecule give rise to interesting prospects for studies of wave packet dynamics in engineered potential energy landscapes.

Manfred Bucher

Semiclassical oscillation of the electron through the nucleus of the H atom yields both the exact energy and the correct orbital angular momentum for l=0 quantum states. Similarly, electron oscillation through the nuclei of H2+ accounts for a stable molecule ion with energy close to the quantum mechanical solution. The small discrepancy arises from the neglect of the electron's wave nature.

Walter E Thirring, Evans M. Harrell