Laser Assisted Atomic Structure Studies

Abstract

Summary The present research proposal was submitted to strength the existing experiment facility in the laboratory and then to investigate the highly excited Rydberg states and autoionzing resonances of atom involving single and double excited states using laser multiphoton ionization technique. We have purchased the required equipment with in the limited funds available, and obtained extensive new data on sodium, lithium strontium ytterbium and insert gases. During this period three PH.D and three M.Phil students got their degrees while working in this laboratory. Objectives (year- wise plan of the work) First Year 1. The dye laser optics, dye circulator Micro pumps will be purchased along with the power supply. 2. The experiments on the atomic beam apparatus will be started, particularly; the ytterbium, lithium and sodium photoionization cross section will be measured. Second Year 1. Experiments in the ultraviolet region using the frequency doubled dye laser 2. The elements to be investigated will be alkali atoms and alkane earths. 3. The spectra of ytterbium strontium will be investigated. 4. The highly excited states of uranium and mercury. Third Year 1. Experiments will be continued on the alkali atoms and alkaline earths in the doubly excited energy region. 2. Work on tantalum, bismuth and thallium will be initiated with particular interest in hyperfine structure and isotopic shift studies. 3. The experimental results will be published. 4. Work on the laser induced fluorescence from alkali dimers will be started. Achievements 1. The dye laser optics, dye circulator micro pumps along the power supply and energy meter have been purchased and installed in the laboratory. 2. Extensive new data on sodium, lithium and ytterbium have been acquired using the atomic beam apparatus and thermionic diode. 3. Two-step excitation data have also been acquired on the inert gases using laser opt galvanic technique. 4. Most of the data have been published in the scientific journals of repute.