Resonant collisions of Na nS and nD Rydberg atoms
A large enhancement in the resonant collisional energy-transfer process Na(ns)+Na(ns) ..-->..Na((n-1)p)+Na(nl) or Na(ns)+Na(ns)..-->..Na(np)+Na((n-1)l) is observed when the initial ns state lies midway between (n-1)p and an nl state or between np and an (n-1)l state. This resonance condition, achieved by the electric field tuning of the levels, leads to large cross sections approx.10/sup 9/ A/sup 2/ and narrow linewidths approx.1 GHz. These cross sections and linewidths are comparable to the previously observed resonant process Na(ns)+Na(ns)..-->..Na((n-1)p)+Na (np). We have also observed a similar collisional energy transfer starting from a completely different initial state, i.e., Na(15d)+Na(15d)..-->..Na(16f)+Na (15p). In this case the enhancement in the cross section (approx.10/sup 8/ A/sup 2/) is observed at a relatively low electric field approx.17 V/cm.
- Research Organization:
- Molecular Physics Laboratory, SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025
- OSTI ID:
- 5375605
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 28:5; ISSN PLRAA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ALKALI METALS
ATOM COLLISIONS
ATOM-ATOM COLLISIONS
AUGMENTATION
COLLISIONS
CROSS SECTIONS
DIPOLES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EXCITED STATES
INTERACTIONS
LASER RADIATION
LINE WIDTHS
METALS
MULTIPOLES
RADIATIONS
RESONANCE
RYDBERG STATES
SODIUM
TUNING