Resonant ionization in slow-atom-Rydberg-atom collisions

Abstract

The process of ionization in slow-atom-Rydberg-atom collisions is investigated. A resonant energy exchange mechanism is considered responsible for the electron transition into the continuum. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical systems are considered. The ionization probabilities and cross sections for a number of Rydberg states in the colliding systems ${\mathrm{H}}^{*}(n)+\mathrm{H}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}^{*}(n)+\mathrm{Li}$, ${\mathrm{H}}^{*}(n)+\mathrm{Li}$ are calculated.