This research project on highly-excited atoms uses a sequence of half cycle pulses to engineer targeted final states in high-n Rydberg atoms, initially creating very-high-n atoms in quasi-1D and near-circular states. Measurements of quantum beats and their damping will be used to examine collisional decoherence due to quasi-elastic electron scattering. Ionization through rotational energy transfer in collisions with polar targets will also be studied with emphasis on the effect of resonances associated with dipole-supported real and virtual states. In addition, Rydberg atom.surface interactions under carefully controlled conditions will be used to explore how atoms evolve as they approach a surface. The broader impacts involve the education of students and the application to quantum computing and surface characterization.
