Abstract
We investigate the properties of a trace-gas sensing scheme based on Rydberg excitations at the example of an idealized model system. Rydberg states in thermal rubidium (Rb) are created using a 2-photon cw excitation. These Rydberg-excited atoms ionize via collisions with a background gas of nitrogen (N2). The emerging charges are then measured as an electric current, which is on the order of several picoampere. Due to the 2-photon excitation, this sensing method has a large intrinsic selectivity combined with a promising sensitivity of 10 ppb at an absolute concentration of 1 ppm. The determination of the detection limit is limited by the optical reference measurement but is at least 500 ppb.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).
