After successful completion of the course, students are able to explain the theoretical bases for the hypothetical state of Rydberg matter or condensed plasma and to describe some experiments devoted to the generation and investigation of this state of matter.
Rydberg matter or condensed plasma is a state of matter where highly excited atoms or molecules condense into a solid state. It was first described in the 1980's. This state is predicted to be metallic while having the density of a gas. The expected lifetime of such a state should reach several minutes. Until now there are only very few experiments. Theoretically, this state of matter should be possible for oxygen and nitrogen at standard pressure and room temperature. In these lectures the theoretical background and existing experiments are discussed.
Lectures, in which theoretical derivations will be given, as well as technical discussions of experiments. Both are taken from published papers, which will be made available to the students.
Schriftliche Prüfung.
Not necessary
Bachelor in physics, or another technical discipline with equivalent background in solid state theory, atomic theory and quantum physics.