HighnRydberg atoms and external fields

Abstract

We have observed 6snd ${\mathrm{}}^1$ ${\mathrm{D}}_2$ Rydberg states of Ba with principal quantum numbers up to n=290. To our knowledge these are the largest atoms which have been produced under laboratory conditions up to now. Rydberg atoms with n=78 were subject to small electric (F≲1 V/cm) and magnetic (H≲850 G) fields to produce highly resolved spectra of Stark and diamagnetic manifolds. Due to interference effects caused by the presence of nonhydrogenic states within the manifolds the distribution of oscillator strength varies dramatically and was found to be strikingly similar for Stark and diamagnetic manifolds.