We report the density-dependent crossover of a resonantly photoexcited exciton gas from insulating to conducting phases. Broadband terahertz spectroscopy gives direct access to the exciton binding energy via intra-excitonic 1s-2p transitions. A strong shift, broadening, and ultimately the disappearance of this resonance occurs with decreasing inter-particle distance. Densities of excitons and unbound electron-hole pairs are followed quantitatively using a model of the composite free-carrier and exciton terahertz conductivity. Comparison with near-infrared absorption changes illustrates a significantly enhanced energy shift and broadening of the intra-excitonic resonance.

This article is a detailed description of the Gordon Research Conference on Atomic Physics.