Work

Theoretical calculation of electron transfer between calcium ground-state atoms and Rydberg atoms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We calculated the electronic interaction associated with the exchange of an electron between an atom of calcium excited to a Rydberg state (n∼10−15) and another, neighbouring calcium atom in its ground state. In this range, the Rydberg states have an energy that is comparable to the electron affinity of Ca, enabling resonant or near resonant charge transfer at large internuclear separations (200–700 a0). We calculated the interaction strength while systematically and critically assessing the approximations made, and found it to be large, ranging from 10−5 Eh (70 GHz) to 10−8 Eh. Charge transfer is thus expected to be efficient and to significantly affect the molecular dynamics at a range of internuclear distances where ultra-long-range Rydberg molecules also exist.

Source: Molecular Physics

DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2026.2666935

Authors: A. Bouillon, M. Génévriez

Institution: UCLouvain

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: green

Funder: Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS

Awards: G1502509635, G353390944, G6204285581, G7664062879, G846360690