Measurement of the 7p{sup 2}P{sub 3/2} Level Lifetime in Atomic Francium

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.78.4169· OSTI ID:548771

Zhao, W Z; Simsarian, J E; Orozco, L A; Shi, W; Sprouse, G D ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3800 (United States)

We present the first measurement of an atomic radiative lifetime in Fr. We use a time-correlated single photon counting technique with a cold sample of {sup 210}Fr atoms in a magneto-optic trap. The results are a precision experimental test of the atomic many-body perturbation theory applied to the heaviest alkali. The lifetime for the 7p {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} level of 21.02(16) ns gives a value for the reduced transition matrix element between the levels 7s {sup 2}S{sub 1/2} {r_arrow} 7p {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} of 5.898(22)a{sub {infinity}} atomic units. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

• OSTI ID: 548771
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 22 Vol. 78; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ENERGY LEVELS
FRANCIUM 210
LIFETIME
MATRIX ELEMENTS
PERTURBATION THEORY
PHOTONS
RADIATIVE DECAY
TESTING
TRANSITION AMPLITUDES