Rydberg atom formation rates as a function of magnetic field in ultracold neutral plasmas

The heating associated with the formation of Rydberg atoms via electron-ion recombination is a critical limitation to the degree of electron strong coupling that can be obtained in ultracold neutral plasmas (UNPs). In addition, this recombination is relevant to other experimental systems such as those associated with antihydrogen formation. The recombination rate is predicted to decrease as a function of magnetic field, and UNPs are excellent systems in which to carry out relatively precise measurements of the recombination rate as a function of magnetization. We describe our techniques for carrying out these measurements as well as report on initial data that we have obtained.