Mechanisms for the Exchange of Energy between a Rydberg Electron and Its Ion-Core: Free Induction Decay Detected Pure Electronic Spectroscopy

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

In this award, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM-A) Program of the Division of Chemistry, Professor Robert W. Field of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his graduate student and undergraduate student colleagues are investigating the ways in which electrons and nuclei interact in Rydberg molecules. The ultimate goal of the work by Professor Field and his group is to develop a better understanding of the physics of molecules in which the outermost electron is barely bound to the ion-core. The team explores how energy is transferred between the weakly bound electron and the nuclei in the ion core of these interesting quantum-mechanical systems. A series of core-nonpenetrating Rydberg molecules (BaF, CaF, NO and NO2) will be produced with low energy using a buffer gas cooled molecular beam source coupled with STIRAP (Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage) and/or ASTRO (Adiabatically Focused Stark-mixed Rydberg Orbitals) excitation. Intra-Rydberg transitions will be probed using Chirped Pulse mm wave Spectroscopy. Experimental results will be compared to state-of-the-art theoretical methods.