Microwave Ionization of an Atomic Electron Wave Packet

Journal Article · Mon Jul 23 00:00:00 EDT 2001 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.043001· OSTI ID:40277167

Noel, Michael W; Ko, Lung; Gallagher, T F

A short microwave pulse is used to ionize a lithium Rydberg wave packet launched from the core at a well-defined phase of the field. We observe a strong dependence on the relative phase between the motion of the wave packet and the oscillations of the field. This phase dependent ionization is also studied as a function of the relative frequency. Our experimental observations are in good qualitative agreement with a one-dimensional classical model of wave packet ionization.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40277167
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 87, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.043001; Othernumber: PRLTAO000087000004043001000001; 009130PRL; PBD: 23 Jul 2001; ISSN 0031-9007
• Publisher: The American Physical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTRONS
IONIZATION
LITHIUM
OSCILLATIONS
WAVE PACKETS