High-Precision Microwave Spectroscopy of Cu, Ag and Au Atoms in 1=0 to 3 Rydberg States: Energy Levels, Fine Structure, Quantum Defects and Ionization Potentials

  • MacAdam, K (PI)

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

In this project an atomic-beam spectrometer will be constructed for the investigation ofCu, Ag and Au atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states, and high-precision measurements of quantum defects for these atoms will be made. Rydberg states will be populated by stepwise photo-excitation using dye lasers and their harmonics. In the final stage of excitation the atoms will be transferred to nearby Rydberg states by microwave resonance at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, and the transitions will be detected by selective field ionization (SFI) of the Rydberg atoms. As the frequency of a microwave source is tuned the resonance transitions between Rydberg energy levels in various sequences will be observed with high accuracy and resolution. New data on quantum defects ofCu, Ag and Au atoms as well as fine-structure splittings of the energy levels will be obtained. These data will allow ionization potentials of improved accuracy to be determined for all the atoms listed and will allow spectral predictions and identifications to be made with high confidence in both laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date4/1/073/31/09

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