Role of rotational-energy defect in collisional transfer between the52P1/2,3/2

Abstract

Steady-state laser-induced fluorescence techniques have been used to study the rates for energy transfer between the 5 2 P 1/2,3/2 levels in rubidium. The cross sections for collisions with the molecular species H 2 , D 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , and CF 4 have been measured as 2 ( 2 P 1/2 → 2 P 3/2 )ϭ10.0, 21.4, 13.2, 29.5, and 9.5ϫ10 Ϫ16 cm 2 and 1 ( 2 P 3/2 → 2 P 1/2 )ϭ13.9, 29.8, 18.4, 41.0, and 13.2ϫ10 Ϫ16 cm 2 , respectively. Correlation of these spin-orbit transfer probabilities with rotational-energy defect is demonstrated.

Transfer between the cesium62P1/2and62Pitz1, Fox2, Perram3 2011Phys. Rev. ASelf Cite411100View full textAdd to dashboardCite

“…Rotondaro suggested the possibility for accessing the rotational states of the buffer gas for the spin-orbit relaxation of rubidium [9]. The spin-orbit splitting in rubidium of 237.6 cm −1 is less than for cesium which has an energy defect of 554 cm −1 .…”

“…He demonstrated a correlation between Rb and the total energy defect of the rotating buffer gas [9]. The correlation expressed by Rotondaro utilized the relation (16) where k E−R is the electronic-to-rotational energy exchange rate, E is the difference on the alkali-metal energy defect from the rotational energy defect, B ν is the rotational constant, and J is the rotational state.…”

“…Since the 1960s, collision-induced mixing between the 2 P 1/2,3/2 states of alkalis have been thoroughly studied [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. These mixing rates have again become of keen interest because of their role in diode-pumped alkali-metal lasers (DPAL).…”

“…A rotational energy-transfer mechanism has been suggested for rubidium [9]. Indeed, the rates increase when the fine-structure splitting and available rovibrational excitation in the collision partner are matched [9].…”

“…Quenching rates are also reported from the high pressure limit. The role of the energy defect between cesium and the rovibrational model of the collision partner is examined and compared with the prior results for rubidium [9].…”