Ionization of Rydberg Atoms in Static and Microwave Fields.

Francisco Xavier Estrada

Advisor: Dr. Enrique J. Galvez, Colgate University

Abstract

We report measurements of the microwave ionization of Rydberg atoms in a static electric field. We intend to analyze this data in order to understand the mechanism of the microwave ionization and the dynamics of the energy levels.

 

Xavier setting up the microwave system (10 GHz). He is looking at the detected microwave signal in a dgital oscilloscope. The microwave pulses (1 microsecond long) are sent to a cavity located inside the vacuum system, on the left side of the picture.

Lots of parameters of the microwave pulses have to be monitored. In the photo Xavier is adjusting the attenuation of a pulsed beam of microwaves that is input to an amplifier.