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Control of diabatic versus adiabatic field dissociation in a heavy Rydberg system
R C Shiell1, E Reinhold, F Magnus
1Physics Department, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada.
Physical Review Letters
|December 31, 2005
Summary
Researchers demonstrate control over ion-pair wave packet dissociation using delayed electric fields. This method allows mapping angular momentum oscillations and verifies mass-scaling laws in heavy Rydberg systems.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Quantum Dynamics
- Chemical Physics
Background:
- Coherent wave packets in ion-pair systems are governed by Coulombic potentials.
- Stark fields influence the dynamics of weakly bound systems.
- Controlling dissociation pathways is crucial for understanding quantum phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate control over the field dissociation of laser-prepared coherent wave packets.
- To apply this control to map angular momentum wave packet oscillations.
- To verify predicted mass-scaling laws in heavy Rydberg systems.
Main Methods:
- Excitation of weakly bound H(+)(-) wave packets in a Stark field.
- Application of delayed pulsed-electric fields to control dissociation.
- Observation of ion production timing to distinguish adiabatic and diabatic routes.
- Mapping oscillatory behavior in a heavy Rydberg system.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated control of field dissociation via adiabatic and diabatic routes.
- Control manifested as distinct ion production times for each pathway.
- Successfully mapped oscillatory behavior of an angular momentum wave packet.
- Observed Stark oscillation frequencies verified predicted mass-scaling laws.
Conclusions:
- Novel phenomenon observed in laser-prepared coherent wave packet dynamics.
- Delayed pulsed-electric fields offer precise control over dissociation pathways.
- The phenomenon provides a method for mapping angular momentum oscillations.
- Experimental results confirm theoretical mass-scaling laws for heavy Rydberg systems.
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