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l-changing collisions in the intermediate Rydberg states of lithium

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

l-mixing collisions Li(n/sup 2/D)+X..-->..Li(n/sup 2/L,L>2)+X induced in Rydberg states of lithium (n = 4,5,...,13) by rare-gas atoms or Li ground-state atoms are studied in a heat-pipe arrangement. The l-mixing cross sections deduced from the time analysis of the n/sup 2/D laser-induced fluorescence agree with experimental values obtained with the heavier alkali-metal atoms and with different theoretical models developed for quasielastic Rydberg-electron--target collisions. Quenching of the n/sup 2/D fluorescence at higher rare-gas pressures is interpreted as inelastic collisional transfer of the L> or =1 mixed states to the nonhydrogenic S sublevel. Finally the radiative lifetimes of the n/sup 2/D states and n/sup 2/L mixed states with L> or =1 are deduced, respectively, from the low-pressure limit and intermediate-pressure study of the n/sup 2/D fluorescence relaxation rate.

Research Organization:
Groupe de Recherches sur l'Energie des Milieux Ionises, Universite d'Orleans, F-45046 Orleans Cedex, France
OSTI ID:
5923255
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 31:3; ISSN PLRAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English