Calculated electron dynamics in an electric field

Abstract

We present the details of a theoretical method for calculating the wave-packet dynamics of a Rydberg electron in a strong electric field. Results for Rb are presented, and are compared to recent experiments that measure the time dependence of the electron flux. These interesting experiments provide a different possibility for the experimental detection of wave packets. The results of fully quantum and classical calculations are compared to each other. Several aspects of this system that are easier to study theoretically are presented. The main property that can only be obtained theoretically is the form of the wave function near the nucleus. We found that the flux of electrons entering the detector accurately reflects the flux of electrons leaving a sphere of radius 2000 a.u. centered on the atomic nucleus. The classification of the autoionizing states contributing to the wave packet is also easier to obtain theoretically.