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Physical Review A

Direct measurement of the metastable 3P2 decay rate in krypton

J. Lefers, N. Miller, David S. N. Rupke, D. Tong, M. Walhout

Published Jul 30, 2002• 18 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We use a magneto-optical trap to isolate ${}^{84}\mathrm{Kr}$ atoms in the metastable ${}^{3}{P}_{2}$ state and then measure the rate of 125.0-nm fluorescence due to spontaneous magnetic quadrupole $(M2)$ decay. We normalize the overall fluorescence rate from the sample using a ``quenching'' process in which laser excitation provides a path for prompt decay to the ground state, with each atom emitting one 123.6-nm photon. A single, solar-blind photomultiplier tube is used to detect both the $M2$ and the quench-induced photons, so that only small corrections relating to spectral response are necessary. We find a spontaneous decay rate of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}=0.0354(22){\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1},$ which translates into a lifetime of 28.3(1.8) s. This result is discussed in the context of previous measurements and calculations of ${}^{3}{P}_{2}$ lifetimes in the rare gases.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.66.012507

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