An effective quantum defect theory for the diamagnetic spectrum of a barium Rydberg atom

A theoretical calculation is carried out to investigate the spectrum of a barium Rydberg atom in an external magnetic field. Using an effective approach incorporating quantum defect into the centrifugal term in the Hamiltonian, we reexamine the reported spectrum of the barium Rydberg atom in a magnetic field of 2.89 T [J. Phys. B 28 L537 (1995)]. Our calculation employs B-spline basis expansion and complex coordinate rotation techniques. For single photon absorption from the ground 6s2 to 6snp Rydberg states, the spectrum is not influenced by quantum defects of channels ns and nd. The calculation is in agreement with the experimental observations until the energy reaches E = 60 cm-1 . Beyond this energy, closer to the threshold, the calculated and experimental results do not agree with each other. Possible reasons for their discrepancies are discussed. Our study affirms an energy range where the diamagnetic spectrum of the barium atom can be explained thoroughly using a hydrogen model potential.