RUI: An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Background Gas Collisions on the Classical Orbits of Rydberg Electrons

该奖项是根据2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助的。 在20世纪20年代，量子力学取代了经典的“太阳系”原子模型，在该模型中，电子沿着简单的圆形和椭圆形路径围绕原子核运动。 量子力学是一个比它的前辈更强大的模型，因为它更准确地预测原子如何与光，电子和其他原子相互作用。 但是在原子中的电子处于高度激发态的条件下，即所谓的里德伯态，电子的行为和运动可以用经典形状的轨道来精确描述，例如行星围绕星星。 激光技术的改进使物理学家能够容易而可靠地产生这些里德堡态。 通过用激光进行测量，可以重建单个原子内电子的路径，这开辟了一种研究原子相互作用的全新方法。这项研究将测量由于与邻近原子的相互作用而导致的经典电子轨道的扭曲。 它也将阐明电子行为是如何被量子力学、经典轨道或称为闭合轨道理论的混合“半经典”理论描述的。 实验结果将有助于发展和证实一个修正的“半经典”理论，使我们能够预测处于里德伯态的电子与其他原子碰撞的反应。这项工作将为一所拥有大量女性人口的本科院校的学生提供实践研究经验。这对于说明量子力学的概念和对应原理特别重要。该项目允许本科生直接参与实验建设，数据采集，理论解释和会议上的工作演示。

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). In the 1920's quantum mechanics replaced the classic "solar-system" model of the atom where electrons follow simple circular and elliptical paths around the nucleus. Quantum mechanics is a more powerful model than its predecessors in that it more accurately predicts how atoms interact with light, electrons, and other atoms. But under conditions where the electron in an atom is in a highly excited state, known as a Rydberg state, the behavior and motion of the electron can be accurately described in terms of classical shaped orbits, such as planets around a star. Improvements in laser technology have enabled physicists to produce these Rydberg states easily and reliably. By making measurements with lasers the path of the electron within a single atom can be reconstructed and this opens up a brand new method of investigating atomic interactions. This research will measure the distortions of classical electron orbits due to the interactions with nearby atoms. It will also shed light on how well the electron behavior is described by either quantum mechanics, classical orbits, or a hybrid "semi-classical" theory known as closed orbit theory. The experimental results will help to develop and confirm a modified "semi-classical" theory that allows us to predict the response of an electron in a Rydberg state to collisions with other atoms.The work will provide hands-on research experiences for students at an undergraduate institution which has a large female population. It will be particularly important for illustrating the concepts of quantum mechanics and the correspondence principle. The project allows direct involvement of undergradute students in the construction of experiments, data acquisition, theoretical interpretation, and presentation of the work at conferences.