The influence of interaction between Rydberg atoms and slow electrons on distribution function in the ultracold plasma

Expressions for the cross sections and rate constants of transitions during collisions of Rydberg atoms with electrons whose energy $E$ is lower than the transition energy $E_{if}$ are proposed. The populations of Rydberg states were calculated using the numerical solution of the set of kinetic balance equations as functions of time in an ultracold plasma based on the obtained transition rate constants. The calculation results are in good agreement with the experiment.