Abstract
The spontaneous evolution from Rydberg atoms in different fine states to plasmas is investigated. Two-photon excitation is used to excite ultracold cesium atoms from 6S1/2 to 47D3/2 and 47D5/2 Rydberg states, respectively. The ramp electric field is used to ionize the Rydberg atoms and drive the ions to the micro-channel plate detector. In this experiment, The atom number of 47D5/2 state, which has a high oscillator strength compared with 47D3/2, is about 7 times larger than that of 47D3/2 state. Based on the different initial atom numbers of two fine states, the evolutions of plasma and Rydberg atoms are observed. The initial ionization time of Rydberg atoms and avalanche ionization rate of different states are presented. The initial ionization of Rydberg atoms is ascribed to the combining effect of state transfer from repulsive interaction to attractive interaction induced by the blackbody radiation and superradiation and Rydberg atoms collision. Moreover, the avalanche ionization and production of plasma are explained as being due to the rapid collision between Rydberg atoms and electrons in a local potential trap produced by positive ions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.