Anisotropy and state mixing in the interactions between Rydberg states

Abstract

We present a guide to calculate the interactions between Rydberg states, and put into evidence the importance of the anisotropic and state-mixing character of these interactions for p and d states. We then summarize recent theoretical results obtained in this context related to the formation of anisotropic Rydberg excitation patterns and the influence of state-mixing on the familiar Rydberg blockade phenomenon.