Cold Cs Rydberg-gas interactions

Abstract

We present calculations of potential curves for very high-$n$ $\left(89D\right)$ Cs Rydberg-atom pairs, including a background electric field. From these potentials, we show that energy transfer occurs at rates of $\sim 30–70\mathrm{MHz}$, background electric fields play an important role and dipole-dipole- and quadrupole-quadrupole-induced avoided curve crossings should lead to conversion of electronic to kinetic energy, $n$-changing collisions, and observable ultracold long-range Rydberg molecules.