Quantum interference in the field ionization of Rydberg atoms

Feynman, Rachel; Hollingsworth, Jacob; Vennettilli, Michael; Budner, Tamas; Zmiewski, Ryan; Fahey, Donald P.; Carroll, Thomas J.; Noel, Michael W.

doi:10.1103/physreva.92.043412

Cited by 15 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Rydberg states of atoms and molecules represent ideal model systems with which to perform detailed studies of electric field ionization, and develop schemes with which to manipulate and control ionization processes [1]. Precise measurements of ionization dynamics and electricfield ionization rates of Rydberg states are of interest in the optimization of schemes for quantum-stateselective detection [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rydberg-state ionization dynamics and tunnel ionization rates in strong electric fields

Gawlas

Hogan

2019

Phys. Rev. A

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Tunnel ionization rates of triplet Rydberg states in helium with principal quantum numbers close to 37 have been measured in electric fields at the classical ionization threshold of ∼ 197 V/cm. The measurements were performed in the time domain by combining high-resolution continuous-wave laser photoexcitation and pulsed electric field ionization. The observed tunnel ionization rates range from 10 5 s −1 to 10 7 s −1 and have, together with the measured atomic energy-level structure in the corresponding electric fields, been compared to the results of calculations of the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian matrix describing the atoms in the presence of the fields to which complex absorbing potentials have been introduced. The comparison of the measured tunnel ionization rates with the results of these, and additional calculations for hydrogen-like Rydberg states performed using semiempirical methods, have allowed the accuracy of these methods of calculation to be tested. For the particular eigenstates studied the measured ionization rates are ∼ 5 times larger than those obtained from semi-empirical expressions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rydberg-state ionization dynamics and tunnel ionization rates in strong electric fields

Gawlas

Hogan

2019

Phys. Rev. A

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“…We calculate ionization rates using a semi-empirical formula rather than directly from the couplings to free states. In Feynman, et al essentially the same model was unable to correctly account for the phase evolution near ionization [28]. Second, a significant advantage of the GA is that it automatically takes into account uncharacterized experimental conditions, such as electric and magnetic field inhomogeneity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving the state selectivity of field ionization with quantum control

et al. 2018

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The electron signals from the field ionization of two closely-spaced Rydberg states of rubidium-85 are separated using quantum control. In selective field ionization, the state distribution of a collection of Rydberg atoms is measured by ionizing the atoms with a ramped electric field. Generally, atoms in higher energy states ionize at lower fields, so ionized electrons which are detected earlier in time can be correlated with higher energy Rydberg states. However, the resolution of this technique is limited by the Stark effect. As the electric field is increased, the electron encounters numerous avoided Stark level crossings which split the amplitude among many states, thus broadening the time-resolved ionization signal. Previously, a genetic algorithm has been used to control the signal shape of a single Rydberg state. The present work extends this technique to separate the signals from the 34s and 33p states of rubidium-85, which are overlapped when using a simple field ramp as in selective field ionization.

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“…Figure 2 presents state-selective field ionization (SFI) spectra recorded at n = 60. Earlier studies have shown that the field at which a given state ionizes is governed by n, the magnitude of the magnetic quantum number |M L |, and the slew rate of the applied field [28][29][30]. Briefly, for a hydrogen atom, the ionization threshold depends on the orientation of the atomic dipole moment which is defined by the electric quantum number, k. The extreme red-shifted states within a given Stark n manifold for which k ∼ −n ionize at the smallest fields, given by ∼ 1/(9n 4 ), because their electronic wave functions are polarized towards the saddle point in the electron potential that results from application of the external field.…”

Section: State-selective Field Ionization Spectramentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifetimes of ultralong-range strontium Rydberg molecules in a dense Bose-Einstein condensate

Whalen¹,

Camargo²,

Ding³

et al. 2017

Phys. Rev. A

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The lifetimes and decay channels of ultralong-range Rydberg molecules created in a dense BEC are examined by monitoring the time evolution of the Rydberg population using field ionization. Studies of molecules with values of principal quantum number, n, in the range n = 49 to n = 72 that contain tens to hundreds of ground state atoms within the Rydberg electron orbit show that their presence leads to marked changes in the field ionization characteristics. The Rydberg molecules have lifetimes of ∼ 1 − 5 µs, their destruction being attributed to two main processes: formation of Sr + 2 ions through associative ionization, and dissociation induced through L-changing collisions. The observed loss rates are consistent with a reaction model that emphasizes the interaction between the Rydberg core ion and its nearest neighbor ground-state atom. The measured lifetimes place strict limits on the time scales over which studies involving Rydberg species in cold, dense atomic gases can be undertaken and limit the coherence times for such measurements.

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Quantum interference in the field ionization of Rydberg atoms

Cited by 15 publications

References 47 publications

Rydberg-state ionization dynamics and tunnel ionization rates in strong electric fields

Rydberg-state ionization dynamics and tunnel ionization rates in strong electric fields

Improving the state selectivity of field ionization with quantum control

Lifetimes of ultralong-range strontium Rydberg molecules in a dense Bose-Einstein condensate

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