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Wave function microscopy of quasibound atomic states.

S Cohen1, M M Harb, A Ollagnier

  • 1Physics Department, Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratory, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.

Physical Review Letters
|May 21, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Scientists created the first experimental photoionization microscopy images, visualizing quasibound electronic states in lithium atoms. This confirms a 30-year-old prediction about electron wave function imaging.

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Area of Science:

  • Atomic Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • The 1980s theoretical work by Demkov, Kondratovich, and Ostrovsky predicted that photoionization could image quasibound electronic states.
  • This experiment aimed to experimentally realize this long-standing theoretical proposal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally demonstrate photoionization wave function microscopy.
  • To observe and interpret signatures of quasibound electronic states in lithium atoms under electric field.
  • To validate theoretical predictions regarding the spatial distribution of electrons emitted during photoionization.

Main Methods:

  • Photoionization of lithium atoms in a static electric field.
  • Detection of emitted electrons using a position-sensitive detector to create electron spatial distribution images.
  • Wave packet propagation simulations to interpret observed resonant features.
  • Analysis of resonance tunneling mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • First experimental "photoionization wave function microscopy" images were obtained.
  • Signatures of quasibound states, including changes in wave function nodes and broadening due to tunneling ionization, were observed.
  • Experimental results were consistent with theoretical predictions and simulations.

Conclusions:

  • The experiment successfully realized the proposed photoionization microscopy for visualizing quasibound electronic states.
  • The observed features provide direct macroscopic images of the electron wave function projection.
  • This technique opens new avenues for studying atomic and molecular electronic structures.