Long lived Rydberg ZEKE states using fast programmed electric pulses. I. The basic method

The present letter outlines a proposal in the form of a practical method to externally induce the stability of high-n Rydberg states otherwise subject to intramolecular decay or autoionization. The method employs the fast switching of a DC electric field accompanied by a programmed change of the field axis. The guiding principles for the optimal control are discussed. This new method is expected to open a number of interesting opportunities in ZEKE experiments.