Dynamics of Electronic Rydberg Wave Packets in the Presence of Laser-induced Core Transitions

Abstract

Recent theoretical work on the dynamics of electronic Rydberg wave packets under the influence of laser‐induced core transitions is reviewed. The discussion focuses on the intricate interplay between laser‐modified electron correlation effects, radiative damping by the ionic core and the time evolution of electronic Rydberg wave packets. Via the stimulated light force this interplay manifests itself also in the atomic center of mass motion. A unified theoretical framework is provided by combining methods of quantum defect theory, stochastic techniques and semiclassical path expansions.