Spontaneous and induced emission of a Rydberg atom in a cavity

Experimental and theoretical studies of Rydberg masers-quantum-electronic devices which produce and employ microwave radiation from highly excited atoms in a cavity-are reviewed. The experimental results are based mainly on studies performed by S. Haroche's group in Paris and H. Walther's group in Munich. In contradistinction to the usual quantum generators the quantum properties of the electromagnetic field itself play an important role in the analysis of the behavioral dynamics of Rydberg masers. The most striking results obtained in this field are the discovery of “quantum revival” and the achievement of maser generation on two-photon transitions and Fok states of the electromagnetic field.