Observation of spatially localized atomic-electron wave packets

Technical Report · Mon Apr 11 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6752642

Yeazell, J A; Stroud, C R

This reprint explores the excitement and detection of an atomic-electron wave packet that is localized in the polar and azimuthal angles. The wave packet is formed through the coherent superposition of Rydberg states of atomic sodium. The superposition is achieved by short-pulse optical excitation of the atom in the presence of a strong r-f field. The wave packet is detected by d-c field ionization. The behavior of this wave packet in a strong dc field is much different from that of an eigenstate. This behavior agrees well with a simple classic model.

• Research Organization: Rochester Univ., NY (USA). Inst. of Optics
• OSTI ID: 6752642
• Report Number(s): AD-A-195575/6/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY LEVELS
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITATION
EXCITED STATES
FERMIONS
IONIZATION
LEPTONS
RYDBERG STATES
WAVE PACKETS