Rydberg atom formation in ultracold plasmas: small energy transfer with large consequences

We present extensive Monte Carlo calculations of electron-impact-induced transitions between highly excited Rydberg states and provide accurate rate coefficients. For moderate energy changes, our calculations confirm the widely applied expressions in P. Mansbach and J. Keck [Phys. Rev. 181, 275 (196...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 100; no. 22; p. 223201
Main Authors Pohl, T, Vrinceanu, D, Sadeghpour, H R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 06.06.2008
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Summary:We present extensive Monte Carlo calculations of electron-impact-induced transitions between highly excited Rydberg states and provide accurate rate coefficients. For moderate energy changes, our calculations confirm the widely applied expressions in P. Mansbach and J. Keck [Phys. Rev. 181, 275 (1969)] but reveal strong deviations at small energy transfer. Simulations of ultracold plasmas demonstrate that these corrections significantly impact the short-time dynamics of three-body Rydberg atom formation. The improved rate coefficients yield quantitative agreement with recent ultracold plasma experiments.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.223201