Abstract
A weak magnetic field has been found to have a pronounced effect on the selective field ionisation (SFI) of Rydberg atoms. Field ionisation quantum beats have been observed from coherently excited sodium 30d2D 3/2 Zeeman levels. Both pi laser excitation and SFI took place in a magnetic field of approximately 0.3 G. The time evolution of the Zeeman levels leads to the observation of SFI traces that range between those seen for pi and sigma laser excitation in zero magnetic field. Good agreement is found between theory and experiment, except for the depth of modulation of the quantum beats, which is less than the theoretical value.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 005 |
Pages (from-to) | 2435-2442 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Physics B: Atomic and Molecular Physics |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1986 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics