Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Quantum Mechanical Interference In The Field Ionization Of Rydberg Atoms, Jacob A. Hollingsworth

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

Rydberg atoms are traditionally alkali metal atoms with their valence electron excited to a state of very large principle quantum number. They possess exaggerated properties, and are consequently an attractive area of study for physicists. An example of their exaggerated properties is seen in their response to the presence of an applied electric field. In this work, we study the energy distribution of Rydberg atoms when subjected to a dynamic electric field intended to ionize them.

We excite ⁸⁵Rb atoms to a superposition of the 46D_5/2 |m_j| = 1/2 and |m_j| = 3/2 states …

The Role Of Continuum States In The Field Ionization Of Rydberg Atoms, Michael P. Vennettilli

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

In an experiment performed by our collaborators at Bryn Mawr, we excite rubidium-85 to a coherent superposition of the different |m_j| splittings of the 37d_5/2 state induced by a small electric field. After waiting for some variable delay time, we apply a time-dependent electric field to ionize the atom and record the ionized current that arrives at the detector. Due to the initial superposition, we observe an interference pattern that depends on the delay time. This thesis describes my continued work with Dr. Carroll to develop a computational model of this experiment. Our initial method …

Using A Genetic Algorithm To Optimize An Electric Field Ionization Pulse, Tamas Budner

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

Experimentally, we would like to demonstrate the process of selective field ionization of electrons as evidence of quantum control in a system of ultracold rubidium-85 Rydberg atoms. In order to accomplish this, an electric field pulse which is optimized to take an initial Rydberg electron state and produce the desired ionization spectra is necessary. We utilize techniques from artificial intelligence to develop a genetic algorithm for the optimization process. Our algorithm is computationally tested on an artificially constructed quantum system consisting of four energy states. In evaluating the viability of any given field pulse, we calculate the probability of an …