Microwave Ionization of H Atoms: Breakdown of Classical Dynamics for High Frequencies

E. J. Galvez, B. E. Sauer, L. Moorman, P. M. Koch, and D. Richards
Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 2011 – Published 31 October 1988
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Abstract

We report the first measurements of microwave excitation and ionization of excited hydrogen atoms for scaled frequencies n03ω up to 2.8. Classical 3D calculations which directly model this 36.021-GHz experiment agree quite well for n03ω<1, agree less well for 1n03ω2, and do not agree for n03ω>2. This supports theoretical predictions that as n03ω rises above 1, quantal ionization threshold fields rise above those for the onset of classical chaos; however, the data continue to reveal local stability near certain rational frequency ratios that recalls classical behavior.

  • Received 18 August 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.2011

©1988 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

E. J. Galvez1,*, B. E. Sauer1, L. Moorman1, P. M. Koch1, and D. Richards2

  • 1Physics Department, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794
  • 2Mathematics Faculty, Open University, Milton Keynes MK76AA, United Kingdom

  • *Present address: Physics Department, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346.

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Vol. 61, Iss. 18 — 31 October 1988

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