Multichannel quantum-defect theory of lifetimes for highly excited states of atoms: Calculation of Yb lifetimes in the perturbed 6/ital snd/ /sup 1,3/D/sub 2/ sequences

Journal Article · Tue Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.40.1838· OSTI ID:6030380

Liu, X; Wang, Z

By combining the quantum theory of radiative transition with multichannel quantum-defect theory, we have derived a general formula to calculate the lifetimes of highly excited states for atoms. As an example, we have evaluated the lifetimes for the perturbed 6/ital snd/ /sup 1/D/sub 2/ (/ital n/=8--40) and 6/ital snd/ /sup 3/D/sub 2/ (/ital n/=10--26) Rydberg levels, and the perturbers of the ytterbium atom. We have not only obtained results that are in perfect agreement with the recent measurements, but also predicted the lifetimes of 18 other highly excited states. The results indicate that the dramatic variation for lifetimes of Rydberg states in the vicinity of perturbing states is due to the strong channel interaction.

• Research Organization: Physics Department, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China (CN); China Center of Advanced Science and Technology (World Laboratory), P.O. Box 8730, Beijing, China; Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
• OSTI ID: 6030380
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 40:4; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOMS
D STATES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
FUNCTIONS
LIFETIME
METALS
RARE EARTHS
RYDBERG STATES
WAVE FUNCTIONS
YTTERBIUM