LASER-STIMULATED FORMATION AND STABILIZATION OF ANTIHYDROGEN ATOMS

Laser-stimulated radiative transitions from states close to the ionization threshold to low-lying atomic levels are considered for protons (antiprotons) in a cold electron (positron) plasma and estimates for the resulting formation rate of hydrogen (antihydrogen) atoms in the ground state are given. The estimates apply to both laser-stimulated recombination and induced radiative stabilization of high Rydberg levels. First experiments concerning laser-stimulated recombination in merged beams of electrons and protons are discussed, which have confirmed the rate predictions for this process. In view of antihydrogen formation in a cold trapped positron plasma, the use of two successive stimulated transitions is considered for obtaining a high formation rate of ground-state atoms at relatively low radiation intensity.