We report the electric field ionization of the n=8--15 levels of Na using field pulses of rise time \ensuremath{\sim}1 \ensuremath{\mu}s. The passage from low to high field is adiabatic, and the fields required for \ensuremath{\Vert} ${m}_{l}$ \ensuremath{\Vert}=0, 1, and 2 states are 3.12(9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{8}$ ${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, 3.37(11)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{8}$ ${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, and 3.68(21)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{8}$ ${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm. Here ${n}_{s}$ is the effective quantum number in the ionizing field. These values are in agreement with those determined previously for higher-lying states.We report the electric field ionization of the n=8--15 levels of Na using field pulses of rise time \ensuremath{\sim}1 \ensuremath{\mu}s. The passage from low to high field is adiabatic, and the fields required for \ensuremath{\Vert}${m}_{l}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=0, 1, and 2 states are 3.12(9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, 3.37(11)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, and 3.68(21)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm. Here ${n}_{s}$ is the effective quantum number in the ionizing field. These values are in agreement with those determined previously for higher-lying states.

Physical Review AFeb 1, 19876 citations

Ionization of Doubly Excited Atoms in an Electric Field

Daniel I. Khomskii

Optics and SpectroscopyMar 1, 19650 citations

Investigation of fine-structure quantum beats in sodium Rydberg atoms by field ionization

THOMAS H. JEYS, K. A. Smith, F. B. Dunning +1 more

Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg $\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})$ states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers $n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40$ .Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg $\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})$ states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers $n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40$.

Physical Review AJun 1, 198131 citations

{m}_{l}

\ensuremath{\Vert}=0, 1, and 2 states are 3.12(9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}

{10}^{8}

${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, 3.37(11)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}

{10}^{8}

${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm, and 3.68(21)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}

{10}^{8}

${n}_{s}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ V/cm. Here

{n}_{s}

is the effective quantum number in the ionizing field. These values are in agreement with those determined previously for higher-lying states.

Pulsed dye lasers are used to excite sodium atoms into a coherent superposition of high Rydberg

\mathrm{nd} (^{2}\mathrm{D}_{\frac{3}{2}},^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}})

states. Analysis of the field ionization behavior of these atoms reveals the time evolution of the superposition state. Rapid application of a weak electric field projects different components of the superposition state onto states having identifiably different field ionization behavior. Analysis of the signal from subsequent field ionization as a function of the time of weak-field application reveals fine-structure quantum beats. These beats result from the time development of the original superposition state. Measurements of the fine-structure quantum beat frequency are presented for the principal quantum numbers

n=32, 34, 35, 36, 38, \mathrm{and} 40