Rydberg Atoms

This book provides a comprehensive description of the physics of Rydberg atoms.

Thomas F. Gallagher (Author)

9780521021661, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 November 2005

512 pages
24.4 x 17 x 2.6 cm, 0.81 kg

"Gallagher has made one more fine contribution to the field of atomic physics." James E. Bayfield, American Journal of Physics

In recent years, Rydberg atoms have been the subject of intense study, becoming the testing ground for several quantum mechanical problems. This book provides a comprehensive description of the physics of Rydberg atoms, highlighting their remarkable properties by reference to their behaviour in a wide range of physical situations. Following an overview of the basic properties of Rydberg atoms, their interactions with electric and magnetic fields are analysed in detail. The collisions of Rydberg atoms with neutral and charged species are described, and the use of multichannel quantum defect theory in the study of Rydberg atomic systems is discussed. Experimental and theoretical research in this extensive field is also reviewed, making the book valuable to both graduate students and established researchers in physics and physical chemistry.

1. Introduction
2. Rydberg atom wavefunctions
3. Production of Rydberg atoms
4. Oscillator strengths and lifetimes
5. Blackbody radiation
6. Electric fields
7. Pulsed field ionization
8. Photoexcitation in electric fields
9. Magnetic fields
10. Microwave excitation and ionization
11. Collisions with neutral atoms and molecules
12. Spectral lineshifts and broadenings
13. Charged particle collisions
14. Resonant Rydberg-Rydberg collisions
15. Radiative collisions
16. Spectroscopy of alkali Rydberg states
17. Radio frequency spectroscopy of alkaline earth atoms
18. Bound helium Rydberg states
19. Autoionizing Rydberg states
20. Quantum defect theory
21. Optical spectra of autoionizing Rydberg states
22. Interseries interaction in bound states
23. Double Rydberg states.

Subject Areas: Atomic & molecular physics [PHM]