Physical Review Letters

Laser resonance photoionization spectroscopy of Rydberg levels in Fr

С. В. Андреев, Vladilen S Letokhov, V.I. Mishin

Published Sep 21, 1987• 53 citations

Abstract

We investigated for the first time the high-lying Rydberg levels in the rare radioactive element francium (Fr). The investigations were conducted by the highly sensitive laser resonance atomic photoionization technique with Fr atoms produced at a rate of about ${10}^{3}$ atoms/s in a hot cavity. We measured the wave numbers of the 7${p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{nd}}^{2}$D (n=22--33) and 7${p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{ns}}^{2}$S (n=23, 25--27,29--31) transitions and found the binding energy of the 7${p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}$ state to be T=-18 924.8(3) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, which made it possible to establish accurately the ionization potential of Fr.

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.59.1274

Related papers

Experimental studies of high-lying Rydberg states in atomic rubidium

Sylvain Liberman, Jacques Pinard

Physical Review AAug 1, 197969 citations

High-Resolution Electron Spectroscopy of Laser-Excited Ba Rydberg Atoms

Herbert H. Rinneberg, Jörg Neukammer, U. Majewski +1 more

Physical Review LettersOct 24, 198315 citations

Spectroscopy of francium

J. E. Simsarian, Joshua M. Grossman, Luis A. Orozco +3 more

AIP conference proceedingsJan 1, 19991 citation

Lifetime measurements of the 7D levels of atomic francium

Joshua M. Grossman, R. Fliller, Luis A. Orozco +2 more

Physical Review AOct 30, 200057 citations

Lifetime measurements of the 7p levels of atomic francium

J. E. Simsarian, Luis A. Orozco, Gene D. Sprouse +1 more

Physical Review AApr 1, 199895 citations

Laser photoionization spectroscopy of Rydberg and autoionization states of rare-earth element atoms

N. B. Eshkabilov, A. S. Kurbaniyazov, Sh. R. Haidarov

Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedenii FizikaOct 1, 20212 citations

Physical Review Letters

Laser resonance photoionization spectroscopy of Rydberg levels in Fr

С. В. Андреев, Vladilen S Letokhov, V.I. Mishin

Published Sep 21, 1987• 53 citations

Publisher

Abstract

{10}^{3}

atoms/s in a hot cavity. We measured the wave numbers of the 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}

{\mathrm{nd}}^{2}

D (n=22--33) and 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}

{\mathrm{ns}}^{2}

S (n=23, 25--27,29--31) transitions and found the binding energy of the 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

state to be T=-18 924.8(3)

{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}

, which made it possible to establish accurately the ionization potential of Fr.

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.59.1274

Related papers

Experimental studies of high-lying Rydberg states in atomic rubidium

Sylvain Liberman, Jacques Pinard

This paper summarizes a long series of experiments that have been done on Rydberg states of Rb. The basic experimental technique that has been used is atomic-beam laser spectroscopy which allows both low-resolution and high-resolution studies. Excitation of Rydberg states is provided by single-photon absorption from a suitably frequency-doubled rhodamine $6G$ tunable laser. Detection is done by field ionization and ion counting. These techniques have allowed us to study the critical ionizing field, which has been found to follow classical, hydrogenic behavior closely. Rydberg states of Rb have been observed from $n=28$ up to $n>100$ . High-resolution spectroscopic studies have led to measurement of the fine structure for $\mathrm{np}$ levels located between $n=28$ and $n=60$ , as well as the isotope shift of the ground state, $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=(172\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15)$ MHz. Anomalies in the intensity ratio of the doublet $5s\ensuremath{-}np$ transitions have been observed and interpreted as relativistic effects. Perturbations by weak and strong dc electric field are reported. In the case of weak electric fields it is possible to evaluate the polarizability. In the case of strong dc electric fields, new phenomena have been observed and analyzed. We also find experimental evidence of selective photoionization in the presence of an appropriate dc electric field, which could have some applications in laser isotope separation. Finally, we give the preliminary results of an experiment on the effect of a strong nonresonant electromagnetic field on high-lying Rydberg states.This paper summarizes a long series of experiments that have been done on Rydberg states of Rb. The basic experimental technique that has been used is atomic-beam laser spectroscopy which allows both low-resolution and high-resolution studies. Excitation of Rydberg states is provided by single-photon absorption from a suitably frequency-doubled rhodamine $6G$ tunable laser. Detection is done by field ionization and ion counting. These techniques have allowed us to study the critical ionizing field, which has been found to follow classical, hydrogenic behavior closely. Rydberg states of Rb have been observed from $n=28$ up to $n>100$. High-resolution spectroscopic studies have led to measurement of the fine structure for $\mathrm{np}$ levels located between $n=28$ and $n=60$, as well as the isotope shift of the ground state, $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=(172\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15)$ MHz. Anomalies in the intensity ratio of the doublet $5s\ensuremath{-}np$ transitions have been observed and interpreted as relativistic effects. Perturbations by weak and strong dc electric field are reported. In the case of weak electric fields it is possible to evaluate the polarizability. In the case of strong dc electric fields, new phenomena have been observed and analyzed. We also find experimental evidence of selective photoionization in the presence of an appropriate dc electric field, which could have some applications in laser isotope separation. Finally, we give the preliminary results of an experiment on the effect of a strong nonresonant electromagnetic field on high-lying Rydberg states.

Physical Review AAug 1, 197969 citations

High-Resolution Electron Spectroscopy of Laser-Excited Ba Rydberg Atoms

Herbert H. Rinneberg, Jörg Neukammer, U. Majewski +1 more

The ionization of $6sns^{1}S_{0}$ Rydberg states of $^{138}\mathrm{Ba}$ has been investigated by high-resolution electron spectroscopy. The Rydberg states were excited by two cw dye lasers via the $6s6p^{1}P_{1}$ level. The electron spectra show rich structure between 0.025 and 3 eV, largely attributable to collisional (Penning) ionization, photoionization, and autoionizing transitions. The first process might be interpreted as superelastic scattering of the Rydberg electron by optically pumped $\mathrm{Ba}(6s6p^{1}P_{1})$ or $\mathrm{Ba}(6s5d^{1}D_{2})$ atoms.The ionization of $6sns^{1}S_{0}$ Rydberg states of $^{138}\mathrm{Ba}$ has been investigated by high-resolution electron spectroscopy. The Rydberg states were excited by two cw dye lasers via the $6s6p^{1}P_{1}$ level. The electron spectra show rich structure between 0.025 and 3 eV, largely attributable to collisional (Penning) ionization, photoionization, and autoionizing transitions. The first process might be interpreted as superelastic scattering of the Rydberg electron by optically pumped $\mathrm{Ba}(6s6p^{1}P_{1})$ or $\mathrm{Ba}(6s5d^{1}D_{2})$ atoms.

Physical Review LettersOct 24, 198315 citations

Spectroscopy of francium

J. E. Simsarian, Joshua M. Grossman, Luis A. Orozco +3 more

Francium is the least studied of the alkali atoms because it has no stable isotopes. We have performed precision spectroscopy on cold Fr atoms in a magneto optical trap. We have determined the location of the first two excited states of the S series by two-photon spectroscopy. We have measured the lifetimes of the 7p levels with a precision better than 0.5%. Our measurements test the many-body perturbation theory ab initio calculations of the dipole matrix element to very high accuracy in this relativistic alkali.Francium is the least studied of the alkali atoms because it has no stable isotopes. We have performed precision spectroscopy on cold Fr atoms in a magneto optical trap. We have determined the location of the first two excited states of the S series by two-photon spectroscopy. We have measured the lifetimes of the 7p levels with a precision better than 0.5%. Our measurements test the many-body perturbation theory ab initio calculations of the dipole matrix element to very high accuracy in this relativistic alkali.

AIP conference proceedingsJan 1, 19991 citation

Lifetime measurements of the 7D levels of atomic francium

Joshua M. Grossman, R. Fliller, Luis A. Orozco +2 more

We present lifetime measurements of the ${7D}_{3/2}$ and ${7D}_{5/2}$ levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a sample of ${}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}$ atoms confined and cooled in a magneto-optical trap. The upper state of the ${7P}_{3/2}$ trapping transition serves as the resonant intermediate level for two-photon excitation of the $7D$ states. A probe laser provides the second step of the excitation, and we detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. Our measurements help extend the knowledge of this class of atomic wave functions in which correlation effects are very significant. We measure lifetimes of $73.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 \mathrm{ns}$ and $67.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.9 \mathrm{ns}$ for the ${7D}_{3/2}$ and ${7D}_{5/2}$ levels, respectively.We present lifetime measurements of the ${7D}_{3/2}$ and ${7D}_{5/2}$ levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a sample of ${}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}$ atoms confined and cooled in a magneto-optical trap. The upper state of the ${7P}_{3/2}$ trapping transition serves as the resonant intermediate level for two-photon excitation of the $7D$ states. A probe laser provides the second step of the excitation, and we detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. Our measurements help extend the knowledge of this class of atomic wave functions in which correlation effects are very significant. We measure lifetimes of $73.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 \mathrm{ns}$ and $67.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.9 \mathrm{ns}$ for the ${7D}_{3/2}$ and ${7D}_{5/2}$ levels, respectively.

Physical Review AOct 30, 200057 citations

Lifetime measurements of the 7p levels of atomic francium

J. E. Simsarian, Luis A. Orozco, Gene D. Sprouse +1 more

We present lifetime measurements of the ${7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a cold sample of ${}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}$ atoms in a magneto-optic trap. We excite the atoms with the trapping and repumping beams of the magneto-optic trap and detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. The results are a precision experimental test of the atomic many-body perturbation theory applied to the heaviest alkali metal. The lifetime results are 21.02(11) ns and 29.45(11) ns for the ${7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ levels, respectively. This gives a line strength ratio ${\mathcal{S}}_{1/2}$ / ${\mathcal{S}}_{3/2}$ of 0.526(3) for these levels in Fr. To study sources of systematic errors we measure the lifetimes of ${5p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${5p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ in stable ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ and obtain 26.20(9) ns and 27.64(4) ns, respectively.We present lifetime measurements of the ${7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a cold sample of ${}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}$ atoms in a magneto-optic trap. We excite the atoms with the trapping and repumping beams of the magneto-optic trap and detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. The results are a precision experimental test of the atomic many-body perturbation theory applied to the heaviest alkali metal. The lifetime results are 21.02(11) ns and 29.45(11) ns for the ${7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ levels, respectively. This gives a line strength ratio ${\mathcal{S}}_{1/2}$/${\mathcal{S}}_{3/2}$ of 0.526(3) for these levels in Fr. To study sources of systematic errors we measure the lifetimes of ${5p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and ${5p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ in stable ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ and obtain 26.20(9) ns and 27.64(4) ns, respectively.

Physical Review AApr 1, 199895 citations

Laser photoionization spectroscopy of Rydberg and autoionization states of rare-earth element atoms

N. B. Eshkabilov, A. S. Kurbaniyazov, Sh. R. Haidarov

Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedenii FizikaOct 1, 20212 citations

{10}^{3}

atoms/s in a hot cavity. We measured the wave numbers of the 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}

{\mathrm{nd}}^{2}

D (n=22--33) and 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}

{\mathrm{ns}}^{2}

S (n=23, 25--27,29--31) transitions and found the binding energy of the 7

{p}^{2}$${P}_{3/2}

state to be T=-18 924.8(3)

{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}

, which made it possible to establish accurately the ionization potential of Fr.

6G

tunable laser. Detection is done by field ionization and ion counting. These techniques have allowed us to study the critical ionizing field, which has been found to follow classical, hydrogenic behavior closely. Rydberg states of Rb have been observed from

n=28

up to

n>100

. High-resolution spectroscopic studies have led to measurement of the fine structure for

\mathrm{np}

levels located between

n=28

and

n=60

, as well as the isotope shift of the ground state, $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=(172\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15)$ MHz. Anomalies in the intensity ratio of the doublet $5s\ensuremath{-}np$ transitions have been observed and interpreted as relativistic effects. Perturbations by weak and strong dc electric field are reported. In the case of weak electric fields it is possible to evaluate the polarizability. In the case of strong dc electric fields, new phenomena have been observed and analyzed. We also find experimental evidence of selective photoionization in the presence of an appropriate dc electric field, which could have some applications in laser isotope separation. Finally, we give the preliminary results of an experiment on the effect of a strong nonresonant electromagnetic field on high-lying Rydberg states.

The ionization of

6sns^{1}S_{0}

Rydberg states of

^{138}\mathrm{Ba}

has been investigated by high-resolution electron spectroscopy. The Rydberg states were excited by two cw dye lasers via the

6s6p^{1}P_{1}

level. The electron spectra show rich structure between 0.025 and 3 eV, largely attributable to collisional (Penning) ionization, photoionization, and autoionizing transitions. The first process might be interpreted as superelastic scattering of the Rydberg electron by optically pumped

\mathrm{Ba}(6s6p^{1}P_{1})

\mathrm{Ba}(6s5d^{1}D_{2})

atoms.

We present lifetime measurements of the

{7D}_{3/2}

and

{7D}_{5/2}

levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a sample of

{}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}

atoms confined and cooled in a magneto-optical trap. The upper state of the

{7P}_{3/2}

trapping transition serves as the resonant intermediate level for two-photon excitation of the

7D

states. A probe laser provides the second step of the excitation, and we detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. Our measurements help extend the knowledge of this class of atomic wave functions in which correlation effects are very significant. We measure lifetimes of $73.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 \mathrm{ns}$ and $67.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.9 \mathrm{ns}$ for the

{7D}_{3/2}

and

{7D}_{5/2}

levels, respectively.

We present lifetime measurements of the

{7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}

and

{7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}

levels of Fr. We use a time-correlated single-photon counting technique on a cold sample of

{}^{210}\mathrm{Fr}

atoms in a magneto-optic trap. We excite the atoms with the trapping and repumping beams of the magneto-optic trap and detect the decay of the atomic fluorescence. The results are a precision experimental test of the atomic many-body perturbation theory applied to the heaviest alkali metal. The lifetime results are 21.02(11) ns and 29.45(11) ns for the

{7p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}

and

{7p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}

levels, respectively. This gives a line strength ratio

{\mathcal{S}}_{1/2}

{\mathcal{S}}_{3/2}

of 0.526(3) for these levels in Fr. To study sources of systematic errors we measure the lifetimes of

{5p}^{2}{P}_{3/2}

and

{5p}^{2}{P}_{1/2}

in stable

{}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}

and obtain 26.20(9) ns and 27.64(4) ns, respectively.