Ions and Rydberg-atoms: a bond between David and Goliath

Open vacuum chamber. The electric field control and the first lens of the ion microscope are sitting in the center of the chamber. Photo: PI 5, Nicolas Zuber - Physicists at the University of Stuttgart detect a novel binding mechanism between small and giagantic particles. [Picture: PI 5, Nicolas Zuber] Researchers at the 5th Physical Institute of the University of Stuttgart have verified a novel binding mechanism forming a molecule between a tiny charged particle and in atomic measures gigantic Rydberg atom. The scientists could observe spatially resolved the molecule with the help of a self-build ion microscope. The well-known journal "Nature" published the results on May 18, 2022. When single particles like atoms and ions bond, molecules emerge.