Calculated Electron Dynamics in a Strong Electric Field

Abstract

The dynamics of an electron wave attached to ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{+}$ is calculated when the atom is in a strong electric field. The dynamic motion of the electron is generated by exciting Rb from its ground state using a weak, pulsed laser. We compare the quantum results for $m\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ to recent experiments. The comparison requires a calculation of the electron flux at a macroscopic distance from the atom. We discuss some of the interesting aspects of this problem including trimming autoionizing states, interference patterns downfield, and suppression of downfield scattering.