Work

Ionization of Rydberg atoms embedded in ultracold plasma due to electron–atom interaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: When ultracold plasma is generated using the photoionization of laser-cooled atoms, some atoms reach only up to Rydberg states. These, in turn, interact with the free electrons of the plasma and get ionized further, thus enhancing the plasma. Theoretical models until date have used a semiclassical approach that does not explain all the properties of Rydberg ionization. We present an analytical solution for the Rydberg–electron ionization cross section using the Quantum-mechanical scattering process, which shows a good agreement with experimental data. In particular, the dependency of ionization on the Rydberg state is clearly shown in the form of relation with orbital size and the scattering length. This calculation is valid for all alkali atoms and, hence, is useful for estimating the electron density of ultracold plasma.

Source: Physics of Plasmas

DOI: 10.1063/5.0260474

Authors: Satyam Prakash, Ashok S. Vudayagiri

Institution: University of Hyderabad

Language: English

Topic: Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India, Human Resource Development Group

Award: G1833629766