Quantum control of Rydberg Atoms, Molecules and Matter

It is proposed to study the dynamics and characteristics of Rydberg states in atoms antimatter, molecules and inter-atom interactions. Within an integrated experimental and theoretical program researchers and students will work in close cooperation while at the same time having well defined goals. The theoretical part will consist of three research areas (i) Rydberg states of atoms and molecules and their inprint on selective ionization channels, (ii) Quantum control of inter-atom conditional intra-shell dynamics and (iii) interaction of anti-atoms with electromagnetic fields. The parallel experimental program will design, build up and perform measurements on (i) wave-packet dynamics and coherent control in Rydberg atoms and develop a new imaging techni que to reconstruct real time movies of Rydberg states and (ii) state interactions and breakup of Rydberg molecules. In parallel and partly entangled projects, experiments on femtosecond dynamics of molecules will be performed at The University of Iceland and experiments with antimatter atoms will be performed at CERN