The dynamical properties of Rydberg hydrogen atom near a metal surface

Abstract

The dynamical properties of Rydberg hydrogen atom near a metal surface are presented by using the methods of phase space analysis and closed orbit theory. Transforming the coordinates of the Hamiltonian, we find that the phase space of the system is divided into vibrational and rotational region. Both the Poincare surface of section and the closed orbit theory verify the same conclusion clearly. In this paper we choose the atomic principal quantum number asn=20. The dynamical character of the exited hydrogen atom depends sensitively on the atom-surface distanced. Whend is sufficiently large, the atom-surface potential can be expressed by the traditional van der Waals force and the system is integrable. Whend becomes smaller, there exists a critical valuedc. Ford>dc, the system is near-integrable and the motion is regular. While chaotic motion appears ford<dc, and the system tends to be non-integrable. The trajectories become unstable and the electron might be captured onto the metal surface.