Autoionization in the evolution process of dense Rb Rydberg atoms in nP states.

The autoionization mechanisms of dense nP3/2 (n = 20–97) Rydberg gases of 87Rb atoms in the spontaneous evolution were investigated for the first time. By observing the characteristic time of the electrons generated through autoionization process, the dependence of autoionization mechanisms (black‐body radiation, electron–Rydberg collision, and Penning ionization) on the principal quantum number n of initial nP states was demonstrated. The dependence on the number n in nP Rydberg atoms is similar to those in nD Rydberg atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]