Atomic Supersymmetry and Rydberg State Collisions

Abstract

We use atomic supersymmetry approximation of Rubidium Rydberg states wave function. Accordingly, eigenstates are interpreted as the implementation of broken symmetry and depend on two parameters. We determine the parameter values from spectroscopic measurements of energies and lifetimes. These analytical wave functions allowed us the study of thermal energy Rb(nl) and the collisions where nl is ns, np and nd over a wide range of n values. The total cross sections are in fair agreement and closer to measurements than similar approaches based on hydrogenic representation of the wave function.

Lifetimes of highly excited atomic states

“…However, the determination of internal parameters of a Rydberg atom requires knowledge of the dipole matrix elements. Due to difficulties related to the determination of accurate wavefunctions, radial matrix elements are obtained by approximate methods [4][5][6][7]. In addition, experimental determination of Rydberg atomic parameters is not systematic in spectroscopic and collisional studies [8].…”

Lifetimes of atomic Rydberg states by autocorrelation function

“…However the calculation of these parameters requires the knowledge of dipole radial matrix elements. Due to difficulties related to the determination of accurate wave function, radial matrix elements are obtained by different approximate methods [2][3][4][5]. Furthermore, experimental determination of Rydberg atomic parameters is not systematic [6].…”