Transition Rates for a Rydberg Atom Surrounded by a Plasma

We derive a quantum master equation for an atom coupled to a heat bath represented by a charged particle many-body environment. In Born-Markov approximation, the influence of the plasma environment on the reduced system is described by the dynamical structure factor. Expressions for the profiles of spectral lines are obtained. Wave packets are introduced as robust states allowing for a quasi-classical description of Rydberg electrons. Transition rates for highly excited Rydberg levels are investigated. A circular-orbit wave packet approach has been applied, in order to describe the localization of electrons within Rydberg states. The calculated transition rates are in a good agreement with experimental data.