On the production of Rydberg atoms with large orbital angular momentum

Abstract

Rydberg atoms are usually produced with large principal quantum numbers, n>10, but with low orbital angular momentum quantum numbers, l<or=3. In this paper the authors show how a careful arrangement of weak electric fields can produce states of large orbital angular momentum, l approximately=n. Specifically, they show how a field which is switched on adiabatically, suddenly rotated through 90 degrees and then suddenly switched off after a specified time interval can produce large l states. The conditions to be satisfied by the field are defined and the effects of other field configurations are discussed. The analysis is based upon a classical model; where possible the significance of quantal effects is assessed.