Abstract

The hydrogen atom in a magnetic field is a fundamental problem in atomic physics. The Schrodinger equation is non-separable and non-integrable when the diamagnetic interaction (H_d = γ²(x² + y²)/8 with γ = B/B_c) is included in the Hamiltonian. The solution of the classical equation of motion turns chaotic when the diamagnetic force is comparable to the Coulomb force. We report experiments in hydrogen-like helium Rydberg atoms in the low-field mixing regime and in the chaotic regime.

© 1992 IQEC