Quantum Localization of the Kicked Rydberg Atom

Journal Article · Mon Mar 20 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.2602· OSTI ID:20215852

Yoshida, S ^[1]; Reinhold, C O ^[1]; Burgdoerfer, J ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1200 (United States)

We investigate the quantum localization of the one-dimensional Rydberg atom subject to a unidirectional periodic train of impulses. For high frequencies of the train the classical system becomes chaotic and leads to fast ionization. By contrast, the quantum system is found to be remarkably stable. We find this quantum localization to be directly related to the existence of ''scars'' of the unstable periodic orbits of the system. The localization length is given by the energy excursion along the periodic orbits. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

• OSTI ID: 20215852
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 84; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
PHASE SPACE
QUANTUM MECHANICS
RYDBERG STATES
SEMICLASSICAL APPROXIMATION
THEORETICAL DATA