Level broadening cross sections for nP_1/2Rydberg states of Na, K and Rb atoms

Abstract

The impact broadening of Na(nP,,,) ( n =6-24), K(nP,,,) ( n = 8-24) and Rb(nP,,,) ( n = 10-24) levels by noble-gas atoms, N, molecules and alkali atoms in the ground state has been investigated. Broadening cross sections have been evaluated on the grounds of contributions coming from Rydberg-electron-perturber and ionic-coreperturber scattering. Broadening cross sections for Cs( nD,,,) + Cs(6S) collisions for n = 11-23 have also been calculated to compare with the experimental ones. Theoretically evaluated broadening cross sections for K( nP,,,) + K(4S) and Cs( nD,/,) + Cs(6S) collisions appeared to be in good agreement with existing experimental data.

Some Remarks and Calculations Concerning Collisional Fine Structure Mixing in Alkali Metal Atoms

“…The model also appears to be correct for the nD states (11 < n < 15) in the process Cs(nD)+Cs(6S1/2) [11] (for n < 11 there are no calculations, for n > 15 there are no experiments). An indirect positive test of the model was given by the experiment with line broadening in collisions: Κ(nΡ)+Κ(4S), n = 18423 and Cs(nD)+Cs(6S), n = 11422 [12]. The theoretical broadening cross sections were calculated using among others cross sections evaluated by means of the quasifree Rydberg electron model.…”