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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 …