A Condensed Excited (Rydberg) Matter: Perspective and Applications

Abstract

A condensed excited matter called Rydberg Matter (RM) have been studied experimentally for 30 years, but have not sparked widespread attention yet, unlike ordinary Rydberg atoms. RM formed by clusters of Rydberg atoms at a solid surface have a longer lifetime compared to Rydberg atoms, and is liquid-like. This review describes how the RM state is generated, and its potential applications. These include using RM for research into catalysis, space phenomena and sensor applications, or for producing environmentally friendly energy. A background on RM is presented, with its structure and special properties, and the working principle of RM generation. The experimental set-ups, materials, and detectors used are discussed, together with methods to improve the amount of RM produced. The materials used for the catalysts are of special interest, as this should have a large influence on the energy of the RM, and therefore also on the applications. Currently most of the catalysts used are potassium doped iron oxide designed for styrene production, which should give the possibility of improvements. And as there is little knowledge on the exact mechanisms for RM formation, suggestions are given as to where research should start.

On Structural Rearrangements Near the Glass Transition Temperature in Amorphous Silica

“…The unusual location in the higher temperature range is due to the increase in configuron concentration with temperature. This makes the glass–liquid transition rather similar to the formation of condensed Rydberg matter at high levels of excitation of atoms [ 81 , 82 ], although the condensation of excited atoms into condensed Rydberg matter occurs via a first-order phase transition. Notably, the glass transition can be interpreted in terms of first-order transformations [ 12 , 17 , 20 , 23 ].…”

The Minima of Viscosities

“…The effective masses are hence sensitive not only to the characteristics of the substances analysed, but also to external conditions, namely external pressure. The extreme increase in temperature can additionally cause the dissociation of molecules and ionisation, and leads to the transformation of matter to a plasma state, with possible intermediate condensed phases such as the condensed Rydberg matter, the rheological behaviour of which is unknown [59][60][61][62], although these can be of practical use to validate the TB approach to viscosity and its modification, applying the above concept of effective masses. Finally, we note that the Eyring-Kaptay (EK) equation used here to find the temperature T vm was extended from the temperature range, where its correctness was confirmed by the experiment [6,63], to the range where its validity may be questionable; therefore, Equation ( 3) is an approximate assessment of the crossover temperature T vm .…”