Rydberg Atoms (Cambridge Monographs on Atomic, Molecular and Chemical Physics, Series Number 3)

This book provides a comprehensive description of the physics of Rydberg atoms, highlighting their remarkable properties by reference to their behavior 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 analyzed 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. 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 behavior in a wide range of physical situations. Beginning with a brief historical overview, the basic properties, creation and detection of Rydberg atoms are described. The effects of blackbody radiation are discussed, as are optical excitation in static electric fields, ionization by pulsed electric fields, Rydberg spectroscopy in high magnetic fields, and microwave excitation and ionization. The collisions of Rydberg atoms with neutral atoms and molecules, charged particles, and other Rydberg atoms are dealt with in detail. The powerful method of multichannel quantum defect theory is presented, and used in the description of autoionizing Rydberg states, interseries interactions and double Rydberg states. In addition to providing a clear introduction to the basic properties of Rydberg atoms, experimental and theoretical research in this extensive field is reviewed. The book will therefore be valuable to both graduate students and established researchers in physics and physical chemistry 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 Rydberg atoms, atoms in states of high principal quantum number, n, are atoms with exaggerated properties.