Failure of classical scaling in low-velocity charge transfer from Rydberg atoms
Recently measured cross sections for electron loss and charge transfer from laser-excited Na Rydberg targets are compared with experimental and theoretical cross sections for capture to all states in p+H(1s) collisions at intermediate velocities. For projectile velocities greater than 1.2 times the Bohr velocity of the target initial state the classical n/sup 4/ scaling rule correctly relates ground-state and Rydberg charge-transfer cross sections. However, for projectile velocities between 0.27 and 1.2 times the Bohr velocity a significant departure from n/sup 4/ scaling occurs, and after scaling, the capture cross section from Rydberg targets is up to 4 times greater than that from H(1s). The effect is the same for l -- 0 and for l-mixed Na targets and is evident also in independently obtained data on capture from hydrogen Rydberg atoms. A significant difference between the dynamic response of Rydberg and H(1s) states is discussed, and theoretical investigation is called for.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
- OSTI ID:
- 5214883
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 34:4; ISSN PLRAA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOM COLLISIONS
CATIONS
CHARGE EXCHANGE
CHARGED PARTICLES
COLLISIONS
CROSS SECTIONS
ELECTRON LOSS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY DEPENDENCE
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
GROUND STATES
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN IONS
HYDROGEN IONS 1 PLUS
ION COLLISIONS
ION-ATOM COLLISIONS
IONS
LIMITING VALUES
NONMETALS
QUANTUM NUMBERS
RYDBERG STATES
SCALING LAWS