Towards a test of string theory using Rydberg atoms

The current controversy over the need for an experimental test of String Theory is considered. We report recent experiments on quasi-bound electrons in crossed electric and magnetic fields, in which states of very large electric dipole moment are excited. The excited electron is confined to one side of the atomic nucleus in the outer well of a controllable double-well potential. These states are discussed in relation to a recent theoretical proposal to test the spatial non-commutativity underpinning String Theory by studying Penning orbits of Rydberg atoms in crossed electric and magnetic fields.