Ionization of Rydberg atoms by a circularly polarized microwave field

Panmimg Fu, T. J. Scholz, J. M. Hettema, and T. F. Gallagher
Phys. Rev. Lett. 64, 511 – Published 29 January 1990
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Abstract

We report the first observation of the ionization of Rydberg atoms by a circularly polarized 8.5-GHz microwave field. The observed threshold field for ionization is E=1/16n4, a value higher than that required for ionization by a linearly polarized microwave field. The origin of this threshold can be understood by transforming to a frame rotating at the microwave frequency. In the rotating frame no transitions occur, and level mixings alone are responsible for the ionization.

  • Received 6 November 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.64.511

©1990 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Panmimg Fu, T. J. Scholz, J. M. Hettema, and T. F. Gallagher

  • Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

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Vol. 64, Iss. 5 — 29 January 1990

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