On the basis of a classical treatment, we present analytical and numerical evidence that Rydberg atoms in a strong laser field are stable provided the orbital momentum is sufficiently large. We surmise that this effect persists in the quantum case also and we suggest its observation in laboratory experiments. The possibility that such atoms may radiate high-frequency photons is discussed.

• Received 29 July 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.45.R7670