Physical Review A
Multichannel quantum-defect theory of lifetimes for highly excited states of atoms: Calculation of Yb lifetimes in the perturbed 6snd 1 ,3 D2 sequences
X. W. Liu, Z -W Wang
Abstract
By combining the quantum theory of radiative transition with multichannel quantum-defect theory, we have derived a general formula to calculate the lifetimes of highly excited states for atoms. As an example, we have evaluated the lifetimes for the perturbed 6snd $^{1}D_{2}$ (n=8--40) and 6snd $^{3}D_{2}$ (n=10--26) Rydberg levels, and the perturbers of the ytterbium atom. We have not only obtained results that are in perfect agreement with the recent measurements, but also predicted the lifetimes of 18 other highly excited states. The results indicate that the dramatic variation for lifetimes of Rydberg states in the vicinity of perturbing states is due to the strong channel interaction.