A Rydberg atom is an atom in which one or more electrons are excited to very high energy levels, leading to a significant increase in the atom's size and properties. These atoms are characterized by their high principal quantum number , which can be several times larger than that of typical atoms. The large distance of the outer electron from the nucleus results in unique properties, such as increased sensitivity to external electric and magnetic fields. Rydberg atoms exhibit strong interactions with each other, making them valuable for studies in quantum mechanics and potential applications in quantum computing and precision measurement. Their behavior can often be described using the Rydberg formula, which relates the wavelengths of emitted or absorbed light to the energy levels of the atom.
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