Advances in Physics of Rydberg Atoms and Molecules

Rydberg atoms are extremely sensitive to even weak electric fields and electromagnetic radiation. They also strongly interact with each other. Studies of Rydberg atoms and molecules have applications in highly-responsive sensing, quantum optics, quantum computing, quantum chaos, ultracold Rydberg gases and plasmas, anti-hydrogen formation, and plasma diagnostics.

This book presents in detail the latest advances in studying one- or two-electron Rydberg atoms and molecules, both for the isolated Rydberg systems and those immersed in a plasma. The book provides the results on classical trajectories of Rydberg electrons in some of these systems, allowing the visualization of, and better physical insight into, the dynamics of Rydberg atoms and molecules. The book also presents studies of the energy shift of Rydberg atoms and molecules and the shapes of spectral lines emitted by them, surveying many counterintuitive results.

At the cutting edge of its field, this research and reference text is ideal for graduate level students and researchers in quantum optics, quantum computing, plasma, and sensing technologies.