The break of L-S coupling and the double Stark resonance in the spectrum of 36P → 37P two-photon transition in Rydberg atoms of sodium

New results are presented of an experimental investigation of the spectrum of 36P → 37P two-photon microwave transition in Rydberg atoms of sodium in a constant electric field. Depending on the conditions of excitation of the initial 36P state (the constant electric field is switched on either before or after the exciting laser pulse) and polarization of laser radiation, a strong variation is observed of the amplitudes of individual two-photon transitions between the fine-structure Stark components of the 36P and 37P states. This effect is an analog of the Paschen-Back effect in a strong magnetic field and is due to the break of L-S coupling and to the variation of the wave functions of Rydberg electrons in an electric field. It is also found that the break of L-S coupling affects considerably the shape of double Stark resonance arising upon intersection of the virtual intermediate level of two-photon transition with the real intermediate 37S level.     

Resonant scattering of three-level Rydberg atoms in a microwave field

We examine the theory of potential scattering of Rydberg atoms in a microwave field. The model of a three-level atom is employed to calculate the radiative force emerging in the resonant coherent interaction with the microwave field for the case of a two-photon resonance and high intensities, using the method of quasienergies of the system consisting of the atom and the field. We determine the probabilities of Landau-Zener transitions in the spatial regions where under two-photon resonance conditions the quasienergies of the atoms approach one another by a small quantity. We also study the dynamics of the variation of the spatial profile of a beam of Rydberg atoms caused by resonant scattering. Finally, we give the results of the first experimental observation of the variation of the transverse beam profile when Rydberg atoms pass through a nonuniform microwave field formed in a rectangular waveguide and in resonance with the two-photon 36P–37P transition. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 111, 796–815 (March 1997)     

Induced emission from a sodium Rydberg atom in a microwave cavity

Results are presented from an experiment on the observation of an induced microwave transition 37P-37S in sodium Rydberg atoms under the action of 30 thermal photons in a microwave cavity. The measured value of the transition rate (4±1.5)×10⁴ s⁻¹ agrees with the calculated value. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 69, No. 6, 413–416 (25 March 1999)     

Microwave spectroscopy of the Zeeman effect in Rydberg atoms of sodium

Experimental results of studying the spectrum of the microwave 37P-37S transition of Rydberg sodium atoms in a weak magnetic field (≤7 G) are reported. The populations of the Rydberg states were measured using the method of selective ionization with a pulsed electric field. When the magnetic field was parallel to the ionizing electric field, a good agreement between the calculated and experimental spectral shapes was observed, making it possible to determine the unknown polarization of the microwave radiation. In the case of the orthogonal configuration of the fields, the resonance structure was suppressed in the field ionization signals due to the strong influence of the magnetic field on the electron trajectories in the detection system.     

l mixing and dissociation of Rydberg molecules accompanying slow collisions with inert-gas atoms

Processes involving a change of orbital angular momentum l and the dissociation of Rydberg molecules when they collide with inert-gas atoms are considered, using a method based on analyzing the terms of the interacting systems. The proposed method makes it possible to take into account the perturbations in a large group of Rydberg states that weakly penetrate into the ion core and to go beyond the limits of the two-level approximations [R. F. Stebbings and F. B. Dunning, eds., Rydberg States of Atoms and Molecules (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1983; Mir, Moscow, 1985)] widely used in the theory of l mixing with the participation of Rydberg atoms. Using the Na**(nd)+Xe reaction as an example, it is demonstrated that this method gives good results in a wide range of variation of the principal quantum number n of the Rydberg electron (n≈10–40). Features of the l mixing and dissociation of Rydberg molecules are studied for the H₂**+Xe system. It is shown that collisional dissociation occurs by the formation of an intermediate Rydberg state of the molecules, followed by self-decay into a dissociative continuum. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 114, 100–113 (July 1998)     

Stabilization of a Rydberg atom and competition between the Λ and V transition channels

The photoionization and stabilization of a Rydberg atom in a strong laser field are investigated theoretically. The role of Raman-type transitions between neighboring Rydberg levels via the continuum (Λ transitions) and via lower-energy resonant Rydberg levels (V transitions) is analyzed. The conditions under which this phenomenon can be observed experimentally are determined. The characteristics of stabilization due to V-type transitions are described. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 114, 821–836 (September 1998)     

Effect of photoions on the line shape of the Förster resonance lines and microwave transitions in cold rubidium Rydberg atoms

Experiments are carried out on the spectroscopy of the Förster resonance lines Rb(37P) + Rb(37P) → Rb(37S) + Rb(38S) and microwave transitions nP → n′S, n′D between Rydberg states of cold rubidium atoms in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Under ordinary conditions, all spectra exhibit a linewidth of 2–3 MHz irrespective of the interaction time between atoms or between atoms and microwave radiation, although the limit resonance width should be determined by the inverse interaction time. The analysis of experimental conditions has shown that the main source of line broadening is the inhomogeneous electric field of cold photoions that are generated under the excitation of initial nP Rydberg states by broadband pulsed laser radiation. The application of an additional electric-field pulse that rapidly extracts photoions produced by a laser pulse leads to a considerable narrowing of lines of microwave resonances and the Förster resonance. Various sources of line broadening in cold Rydberg atoms are analyzed.     

Rare-gas-induced broadening and shift of two-photon transitions to intermediate Rydberg states of atomic thallium*

Results of broadening and shift measurements of Doppler-free two-photon lines for transitions from the ground state to the Rydberg states with intermediate principle quantum numbers of atomic thallium perturbed by rare gases are reported. The rates show a distinct behaviour in this range of principle quantum numbers and significant dependence on the total angular momentum of the upper nP state. The experimental results are compared with calculations using a Van der Waals potential and a superposition of polarization and Fermi potentials. Additionally, broadening and shift rates of the transition Tl 6P _3/2 -9P _3/2 have been measured for quadrupolar as well as for mainly scalar excitation. The rates for both kinds of excitation coincide within the limits of error reflecting the small perturbation of the 6P _3/2 state compared to that of the upper 9P _3/2 state. Received: 6 August 1997 / Revised in final form: 29 November 1997 / Accepted: 11 December 1997     

超冷铯Rydberg原子寿命的测量

本文从实验上采用两步激发超冷基态原子获得超冷Rydberg原子,通过选择场电离的方法获得超冷Rydberg原子的离子信号.改变延迟时间测得Rydberg原子布居数随时间的变化关系,用两种方法拟合实验数据得到36D和34S态原子的有效寿命,与现有理论结果一致. 关键词： Rydberg原子 寿命 黑体辐射 场电离     

Autoionization in the evolution process of dense Rb Rydberg atoms in nP states

The autoionization mechanisms of dense nP_3/2 (n = 20–97) Rydberg gases of ⁸⁷Rb atoms in the spontaneous evolution were investigated for the first time. By observing the characteristic time of the electrons generated through autoionization process, the dependence of autoionization mechanisms (black-body radiation, electron–Rydberg collision, and Penning ionization) on the principal quantum number n of initial nP states was demonstrated. The dependence on the number n in nP Rydberg atoms is similar to those in nD Rydberg atoms.     

Structure of the neutron-rich 37, 39P and 43, 45Cl nuclei

The structure of the neutron-rich odd-even nuclei ^{37, 39} ₁₅P _22,24 and ^{43, 45} ₁₇Cl _26,28 nuclei has been investigated through in-beam -ray spectroscopy using the fragmentation of a 60.3 A ^. MeV ⁴⁸Ca beam on a thin Be target. Level schemes as well as spin assignments are proposed for the nuclei studied in the present work. The experimental data are compared to shell model calculations and related to the onset of collectivity within the sd orbitals around N = 28.     

Investigation of cold rubidium Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap

This paper reports on the results of experiments with cold rubidium Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap. The specific feature of the experiments is the excitation of Rydberg atoms in a small volume within a cloud of cold atoms and the sorting of measured signals and spectra according to the number of detected Rydberg atoms. The effective lifetime of the 37P Rydberg state and its polarizability in a weak electric field are measured. The results obtained are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. It is demonstrated that the localization of the excitation volume in the vicinity of the zero-magnetic-field point makes it possible to improve the spectral resolution and to obtain narrow microwave resonances in Rydberg atoms without switching off the quadrupole magnetic field of the trap. The dependence of the amplitude of dipole-dipole interaction resonances in Rydberg atoms on the number of atoms is measured. This dependence exhibits a linear behavior and agrees with the theory for a weak dipole-dipole interaction.     

Optimisation of the dipole-Coulomb approximation for high-l Rydberg states of polar molecules

ABSTRACT

The present work deals with the question of the origin choice to get the maximal accuracy of the dipole-Coulomb approximation in the theory of molecular Rydberg states with high orbital momentum l. Concerning birefringence in polar molecules, the question of adequate origin choice has first been raised in the classical work by Buckingham & Longuet-Higgins in 1968, where it has been taken into account that the dipole moment of a polar molecular core (cation) depends on the origin choice. This dependence also leads to inseparability of dipole and quadrupole corrections to the Rydberg electron spectra in polar molecules. In the present work a new option for the problem is proposed as applied to the dipole-Coulomb approximation. Considering a simplified model of a molecular core as a system of N effective fixed point charges, we show both analytically and numerically that the optimal choice of origin, at least for a linear core, is the geometric centre of the core. On the other hand, results of the present work as well as previous publications show that the problem raised by Buckingham and Longuet-Higgins does not have a universal solution.

Abbreviations: RS: Rydberg state; RSs: Rydberg states; ZEKE: zero electron kinetic energy; MATI: mass-analysed threshold ionisation; QDT: quantum defect theory; DCA: dipole-Couloumb approximation; CD: centre of dipole; CC: centre of charge; GC: geometric centre; DCAGC: dipole-Couloumb approximation with origin in the geometric centre; DCACD: dipole-Couloumb approximation with origin in the centre of dipole     

Two-color three-photon resonant excitation spectrum of strontium in the autoionization region

We report new studies of the odd parity autoionizing Rydberg series of strontium attached to the 4d( ² D _{3/2, 5/2}) ionic limits possessing J = 1-3 based on the two-color three photon resonant excitation technique in conjunction with an atomic beam apparatus. Using the 4d ²³ P ₀ intermediate levels, we have been able to record the autoionizing Rydberg series of J = 1 whereas, from the 4d ²³ P ₂ intermediate level the series of Rydberg levels possessing J = 1, 2 and 3 have been observed. The level assignments and the line shapes simulations of the autoionizing resonances have been made using the multichannel quantum defect theory. Received 21 November 2001 / Received in final form 2 May 2002 Published online 19 July 2002     

双光子共振非简并四波混频测量Ba原子里德伯态的碰撞展宽和频移

采用双光子共振非简并四波混频测量了Ar缓冲气压引起的Ba原子里德伯6snd ¹D₂谱线系的碰撞展宽和频移, 计算了n=16---33的碰撞展宽截面和频移截面. 本方法是一种纯光学的测量技术, 当采用窄带激光器时可以获得里德伯态的消多普勒光谱. 与传统实验方法测量到的里德伯态纵向弛豫的碰撞展宽不同, 本方法可以研究碰撞引起的两能态间横向弛豫的展宽.     

70S超冷Cs Rydberg原子的动力学演化

利用双光子激发超冷原子获得70S超冷Cs Rydberg原子, 采用脉冲场电离法使Rydberg原子电离, 并用微通道板测量Rydberg原子的信号. 改变激发光和电离电场脉冲的延迟时间和激发光脉冲的宽度, 研究70S超冷Cs Rydberg原子之间的相互作用和动力学演化过程. 利用黑体辐射导致的态转移和相互作用碰撞电离解释了实验结果,实验结果和理论相一致.     

High resolution laser spectroscopy of Ba Rydberg atoms

The purpose of the present paper is to illustrate some selected aspects of high resolution laser spectroscopy of Rydberg atoms, rather than giving an extensive review of the state of the art. The following topics will be discussed: (i) Excitation and detection of Ba Rydberg atoms with principal quantum numbers up ton≲300; (ii) Stark effect and atomic diamagnetism of high-n Ba Rydberg states in thel-mixing region, (iii) Resonance in singlet-triplet mixing of 6snp¹P₁ and 6snd¹D₂ Ba Rydberg states deduced from hyperfine structure measurements.     

铯原子里德堡态Stark能量及电偶极矩的测量和理论计算

里德堡原子由于具有体积大、寿命长、易极化及在外电场中能级易于操控等特点, 已经成为了目前物理学领域研究的热点之一. 本文在磁光阱中实验测量了铯原子15P_3/2和16P_3/2态的Stark光谱,根据光谱给出了15P_3/2和16P_3/2|m|=1/2 Stark态在0-1400 V/cm场强范围适用的Stark 能量和偶极矩的经验性解析表达式; 用数值方法求解薛定谔方程获得了这些态的Stark能量、偶极矩和电子几率密度分布. 电子几率密度分布定性说明了计算的偶极矩矢量的方向是正确的. 计算的Stark能量、偶极矩与实验结果相一致.     

Spectroscopy using stimulated electron–ion recombination

Spectroscopic results obtained on multiply charged few electron ions by using laser stimulated two-step recombination in ion storage rings are presented in an overview. Line splittings in transitions between Rydberg levels were observed for helium like and beryllium like ions. Emphasis is given to results on the beryllium like system N³⁺ where information about the splitting between high angular momentum levels (l⩾4) was obtained for the Rydberg levels n=13 and 8 with experimental errors of about ±0.02 meV. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rydberg states in the condensed phase studied by fluorescence depletion spectroscopy

Higher Rydberg states of NO trapped in rare gas matrices have been studied by inducing Rydberg-Rydberg transitions from the lowest Rydberg state and detecting its fluorescence depletion. This technique unravels Rydberg states, which cannot be accessed by ground state absorption. However, no clear cut Rydberg series show up. The data show a compression of the n-(n + 1) splittings between Rydberg states, as well as of the splittings. The results are rationalised in terms of the quantum defect model and the lack of extended Rydberg series is due to the compression of high-n Rydberg states in a tiny energy region below the ionisation potential. Finally, fluorescence depletion data of NO trapped in amorphous sites (the so-called red sites) of solid Ar can be interpreted in terms of the gas phase NO-Ar van der Waals data. A general discussion on the fate of Rydberg states in van der Waals complexes, in liquids, and in solids is presented in an attempt to relate the data in these different media. Received 28 July 1999 and Received in final form 8 November 1999