1982•Journal of Physics B Atomic and Molecular PhysicsOpen access

Rydberg to plasma evolution in a dense gas of very excited atoms

G. Vitrant, J. M. Raimond, M. Groß, S. Haroche

Abstract

A Rydberg atom gas quickly evolves into a plasma above a threshold density. The process is attributed to Rydberg-Rydberg and Rydberg-electron collisions occurring faster than the medium expansion. Observations are found in good agreement with a simple rate equation model. This effect is different from a Mott transition. Conditions for the occurrence of this latter effect in a Rydberg atom gas are briefly discussed.

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Key concepts: Rydberg formula, Rydberg atom, Rydberg matter, Atomic physics, Excited state, Plasma, Atom (system on chip), Rydberg constant