Autoionizing Rydberg States of Argon and Xenon
Abstract
Recently, Rydberg states have been shown to be present in the plasma of an Argon glow discharge [1]. Properties of Rydberg states in electric fields contribute to the overall behavior of the ion-electron plasma, converting, for example, free electrons into Rydberg electrons and vise verse. We are investigating the role of Rydbergs in low-temperature plasmas. An experimental study is in progress to ascertain the properties of autoionizing Rydberg states of Argon and Xenon atoms in electric fields. The study involves the use of laser-fast-beam Stark spectroscopy. The initial state is metastable, formed by 5 keV charge transfer collisions of singly charged ions with atomic potassium vapor. Final states are Rydberg autoionizing states that lie between the lowest fine structure thresholds. Photoabsorption spectra will be presented along with Fourier transformed recurrence spectra that provides a semiclassical analysis of the dynamics of these states. Supported by NSF and IRCEP. [1] R. Mason et al, Phys. Rev. 68, 16408 (2003)
- Publication:
-
APS Annual Gaseous Electronics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- September 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..GECNT2003W