Cluster KN formation by Rydberg collision complex stabilization during scattering of a K beam off zirconia surfaces

A Condensed Excited (Rydberg) Matter: Perspective and Applications

A condensed excited matter called Rydberg Matter (RM) have been studied experimentally for 30 years, but have not sparked widespread attention yet, unlike ordinary Rydberg atoms. RM formed by clusters of Rydberg atoms at a solid surface have a longer lifetime compared to Rydberg atoms, and is liquid-like. This review describes how the RM state is generated, and its potential applications. These include using RM for research into catalysis, space phenomena and sensor applications, or for producing environmentally friendly energy. A background on RM is presented, with its structure and special properties, and the working principle of RM generation. The experimental set-ups, materials, and detectors used are discussed, together with methods to improve the amount of RM produced. The materials used for the catalysts are of special interest, as this should have a large influence on the energy of the RM, and therefore also on the applications. Currently most of the catalysts used are potassium doped iron oxide designed for styrene production, which should give the possibility of improvements. And as there is little knowledge on the exact mechanisms for RM formation, suggestions are given as to where research should start.

Emission of highly excited electronic states of potassium from cryptomelane nanorods

The first report on the Rydberg matter emission of K* from a potassium nanostructured manganese oxide material.

Confocal laser microspectroscopic Rabi-flopping study of an iron oxide emitter surface used for Rydberg matter generation

Rydberg matter (RM) is a novel metal-like material in the form of electronically excited clusters of atoms (e.g. K and H) or molecules (e.g. H(2)). It is used as the inverted laser medium for IR in the RM laser. RM has recently been formed in its lowest state, which is proposed to be metallic hydrogen [Energy and Fuels 19 (2005) 2235]. An emitter material (K-doped iron oxide catalyst) that forms RM is studied by a specialized spectroscopic method, needed to detect the Rydberg states on the emitter surface. The spectroscopic method is phase-delay Rabi-flopping; it gives spectra from the time delay due to the periodic motion of the optical nutation vector. The formation of Rydberg species in the form of complexes K*-M (M a general small molecule) and (K-M)* is studied. So-called avoided transitions in K(+) ions are detected, of the same type as observed as transitions in the RM laser by stimulated emission. The formation and detection of Rydberg complexes containing H and H(2) is of great interest for metallic hydrogen production. Complexes with M=CH(2), H(2)O (or OH), CHO, H(2) and M'H are observed. Avoided transitions in RM clusters K(N)(*) are also identified. The identification of H containing Rydberg complexes on the surface indicates that metallic hydrogen is formed by the same cluster desorption route as other RM clusters.

Coherent broadband light effects in grating spectrometer studies of emission from alkali atoms at surfaces

With ordinary grating spectrometers, strong bands that are due to broadband coherent light emission from samples containing various amounts of alkali atoms can be observed. The coherent light is proposed to be emitted by the alkali Rydberg states that are easily formed in these systems. The edges of the bands are observed at angles corresponding to low numbers of standing waves along the grating surface and perpendicular to it. This type of band is observed both with thermal sources and with broadband light sources created by pulsed laser light, and it is observed only with s-polarized (TE-mode) light. The band intensities are independent of the entrance slit width in the spectrometer, which shows that strong interference effects exist. The number of interference fringes observed on top of the most intense band is directly proportional to the width of the entrance slit. The time-resolved signal shows that large photon peaks from thermal sources are emitted in bursts within 2 mus, probably corresponding to the lifetime of the emitting Rydberg states and Rydberg clusters.