Electron Localization in Rydberg States

Abstract

We discuss the possibility of localizing an electron in a highly excited Rydberg state. The second-order correlation of emitted photons is the tool for the determination of electron position. This second-order correlation of emitted radiation and, therefore, the correlation of operators describing the acceleration of the electron allows for a partial localization of the electron in its orbit. The correlation function is found by approximating the transition matrix elements by their values in the classical limit. It is shown that the second-order correlation, depending on two times, is a function of the time difference and is a periodic function of this argument with the period equal to the period of the corresponding classical motion. The function has sharp maxima corresponding to large electron acceleration in the vicinity of the ``perihelion.'' This allows the localization of the electron in its consecutive approach to the perihelion point.