Realization of Localized Bohr-like Wavepackets

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2007 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.243004· OSTI ID:938752

Mestayer, J. J. ^[1]; Wyker, B. ^[1]; Lancaster, J. C. ^[1]; Dunning, F. B. ^[1]; Reinhold, Carlos O ^[2]; Yoshida, S. ^[3]; Burgdorfer, J. ^[3]

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1. Rice University
2. ORNL
3. Vienna University of Technology, Austria

We demonstrate a protocol to create localized wavepackets in very-high-n Rydberg states which travel in nearly circular orbits around the nucleus. Although these wavepackets slowly dephase and eventually lose their localization, their motion can be monitored over several orbital periods. These wavepackets represent the closest analog yet achieved to the original Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, i.e., an electron in circular classical orbit around the nucleus. Possible extension of the approach to create so far elusive "planetary atoms" in highly correlated stable multiply-excited states is discussed.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 938752
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 100; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
ATOMS
ELECTRONS
HYDROGEN
RYDBERG STATES
WAVE PACKETS