荷兰原子和分子物理研究所研制成一种红外成像器,它比通常的长波摄像机具有更快的响应速度和更大的波长选择性。利用处于里德伯状态的气相原子的特性,这种新装置能够探测特殊波长处的低能红外光子,同时筛去无用的宽带辐射。据设计这种新装置的科学家说,在里德伯状态中,电子在很低的能量下被约束在原子上。 The Netherlands Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics has developed an infrared imager that offers faster response times and greater wavelength selectivity than typical longwave cameras. Taking advantage of the gaseous atoms in Rydberg’s state, the new device can detect low-energy infrared photons at special wavelengths while screening out useless broadband radiation. According to scientists designing the new device, in the Rydberg state, electrons are bound to atoms with very low energy.