Observation of high efficiency of Raman scattering in the process of the three-photon ionization of samarium atom

Very high efficiency of Raman scattering on samarium atoms in the process of three-photon ionization has been detected. An intense maximum attributed to the one-photon transition 4f ⁶5d6s ⁹ H ₂ → 4f ⁵5d6s ^{2 7} D ₃° between two excited states is observed in the dependence of the yield of Sm⁺ ions on the laser-radiation frequency. The 4f ⁶5d6s ⁹ H ₂ state is populated owing to the spontaneous Raman scattering 4f ⁶6s ^{2 7} F ₃ + ω ? ν → 4f ⁶5d6s ⁹ H ₂.