Inelastic cross-sections and natural lifetimes for the 62D3/2, 5/2 and 82S1/2 states of Rb

The results of an experimental study of population dynamics following excitation of 0pt] and 0pt] states of rubidium are reported. Excitation transfer and quenching cross-sections in collisions with ground state rubidium atoms, and natural lifetimes have been measured. The experiment was performed in a vapour cell, using pulsed two-photon excitation and photon counting detection. The analysis of time dependent signals was based on a rate equation model in which transitions induced by thermal radiation have been accounted for. The measurements yielded following results: (1) 0pt] state J-mixing cross-section: 0pt] ; (2) cross-sections for 0pt] excitation transfer process: 0pt] ; (3) quenching cross-sections: 0pt] , 0pt] , 0pt] ; 0pt](4) radiative lifetimes: 0pt] ns, 0pt] ns, 0pt] ns. Received 1st December 1998 and Received in final form 17 May 1999