Lifetimes of Rydberg states in zero-electron-kinetic-energy experiments. I. Electric field induced and collisional enhancement of NO predissociation lifetimes

Journal Article · Thu Jun 08 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · Journal of Chemical Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.468935· OSTI ID:46422

Vrakking, M J.J.; Lee, Y T ^[1]

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1. Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720 (United States)

Lifetime measurements are reported for high principal quantum number ({ital n}=40--125) Rydberg states of the NO molecule, prepared using state-selective double resonance excitation with a narrow bandwidth laser. The influence of (i) the application of a dc electric field, and (ii) interactions of the Rydberg states with surrounding ions, were investigated. It is demonstrated that the presence of dc electric fields can lead to enhancements in the lifetimes due to {ital l}-mixing, and the conclusion is reached that under the conditions existing in a typical zero-electron-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy experiment, the Rydberg states involved are excited in a regime where {ital l}-mixing is expected to be significant. It is observed that {ital l}- and {ital m}-mixing collisional interactions provide a further mechanism to stabilize the optically prepared Rydberg states, beyond the limits which can be achieved by {ital l}-mixing alone.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 46422
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 22 Vol. 102; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
EXCITATION
KINETIC ENERGY
LASERS
LIFETIME
MIXING
NITROGEN OXIDES
PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
QUANTUM NUMBERS
RESONANCE
RYDBERG STATES