Long-range Rydberg-atom-ion molecules of Rb and Cs

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new class of long-range Rydberg-atom-ion molecules formed via electric-multipole interactions, with potential for experimental realization and multiple vibrational states.

Contribution

It proposes and analyzes Rydberg-atom-ion molecules, detailing their potential energy curves and vibrational states, a novel concept in molecular physics.

Findings

Deep, long-range potential wells support vibrational states.

Potential energy curves connect with Rydberg states of Rb and Cs.

Feasible pathways for photo-association are discussed.

Abstract

We propose a novel type of Rydberg dimer, consisting of a Rydberg-state atom bound to a distant positive ion. The molecule is formed through long-range electric-multipole interaction between the Rydberg atom and the point-like ion. We present potential energy curves (PECs) that are asymptotically connected with Rydberg $nP$- or $nD$-states of rubidium or cesium. The PECs exhibit deep, long-range wells which support many vibrational states of Rydberg-atom-ion molecules (RAIMs). We consider photo-association of RAIMs in both the weak and the strong optical-coupling regimes between initial and Rydberg states of the neutral atom. Experimental considerations for the realization of RAIMs are discussed.