A model potential for Rydberg states of alkali atoms in rare gas matrices

Abstract

The term values of the ground and excited Rydberg states of alkali metal atoms trapped in rare gas matrices are derived from an empirical model potential. The analytical potential smoothly connects the Coulomb potential near the core with the shielded Coulomb potential beyond the first shells of surrounding matrix atoms. The potential does not depend on the specific dopant and is determined for each rare gas matrix in a unique way from the polarization energy of the crystal by the ionic core P+ and from the electron affinity V0. The predicted transition energies agree with the experimental data within 0.1 to 0.2 eV.