On the classical limit of quantum mechanics – case study of Rydberg atoms

Jan Mostowski

Institute of Physics

Hydrogen atom is an excellent case that allows understanding of the classical limit of quantum mechanics since classical trajectories and quantum wavefunctions are known. I will present several cases illustrating the relations between wavefunctions and classical trajectories. The first is construction of wavefunctions, analogues of coherent states, that mimic classical trajectories. Next I will discuss matrix elements of various physical quantities in the classical limit. Finally I will use the classical approximation of position matrix elements to discuss a possibility of electron localization in a Rydberg atom by measurement of the second order correlation function of emitted radiation.

The template of the webpage is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Foreign Promotion Programme.

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