We have studied the behavior of cold Rydberg atoms embedded in an ultracold plasma. We demonstrate that even deeply bound Rydberg atoms are completely ionized in such an environment, due to electron collisions. Using a fast pulse extraction of the electrons from the plasma we found that the number of excess positive charges, which is directly related to the electron temperature ${T}_{e}$ , is not strongly affected by the ionization of the Rydberg atoms. Assuming a Michie-King equilibrium distribution, in analogy with globular star cluster dynamics, we estimate ${T}_{e}$ . Without concluding on heating or cooling of the plasma by the Rydberg atoms, we discuss the range for changing the plasma temperature by adding Rydberg atoms.We have studied the behavior of cold Rydberg atoms embedded in an ultracold plasma. We demonstrate that even deeply bound Rydberg atoms are completely ionized in such an environment, due to electron collisions. Using a fast pulse extraction of the electrons from the plasma we found that the number of excess positive charges, which is directly related to the electron temperature ${T}_{e}$, is not strongly affected by the ionization of the Rydberg atoms. Assuming a Michie-King equilibrium distribution, in analogy with globular star cluster dynamics, we estimate ${T}_{e}$. Without concluding on heating or cooling of the plasma by the Rydberg atoms, we discuss the range for changing the plasma temperature by adding Rydberg atoms.

arXiv:quant-ph/0401045Physical Review AJan 19, 200539 citations

Microwave ionization of Rydberg atoms at high scaled frequency

H. Maeda, Thomas F. Gallagher

APSMar 1, 20030 citations

Ionization of Rydberg atoms embedded in ultracold plasma due to electron–atom interaction

Satyam Prakash, Ashok Vudayagiri

When ultracold plasma is generated using the photoionization of laser-cooled atoms, some atoms reach only up to Rydberg states. These, in turn, interact with the free electrons of the plasma and get ionized further, thus enhancing the plasma. Theoretical models until date have used a semiclassical approach that does not explain all the properties of Rydberg ionization. We present an analytical solution for the Rydberg–electron ionization cross section using the Quantum-mechanical scattering process, which shows a good agreement with experimental data. In particular, the dependency of ionization on the Rydberg state is clearly shown in the form of relation with orbital size and the scattering length. This calculation is valid for all alkali atoms and, hence, is useful for estimating the electron density of ultracold plasma.When ultracold plasma is generated using the photoionization of laser-cooled atoms, some atoms reach only up to Rydberg states. These, in turn, interact with the free electrons of the plasma and get ionized further, thus enhancing the plasma. Theoretical models until date have used a semiclassical approach that does not explain all the properties of Rydberg ionization. We present an analytical solution for the Rydberg–electron ionization cross section using the Quantum-mechanical scattering process, which shows a good agreement with experimental data. In particular, the dependency of ionization on the Rydberg state is clearly shown in the form of relation with orbital size and the scattering length. This calculation is valid for all alkali atoms and, hence, is useful for estimating the electron density of ultracold plasma.

arXiv:2410.09387Physics of PlasmasApr 1, 20250 citations

{T}_{e}

, is not strongly affected by the ionization of the Rydberg atoms. Assuming a Michie-King equilibrium distribution, in analogy with globular star cluster dynamics, we estimate

{T}_{e}

. Without concluding on heating or cooling of the plasma by the Rydberg atoms, we discuss the range for changing the plasma temperature by adding Rydberg atoms.