Alignment effects of ||J=3> states prepared by three-photon excitation: Sixfold symmetry in collisional energy transfer, Ca(4s4f,1F3)+He-->Ca(4p2,1S0)+He.

Abstract

Rank-6 symmetry in energy transfer collisions is observed. A Ca(4s4f${,}^{1}$${\mathit{F}}_{3}$) state is prepared by three-photon excitation. The angular wave function of the Ca${(}^{1}$${\mathit{F}}_{3}$) state depends on the angles of the three laser polarizations with respect to each other. The alignment effect for energy transfer, Ca(4s4f${,}^{1}$${\mathit{F}}_{3}$)+He\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Ca(4${\mathit{p}}^{2}$${,}^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$)+He, is determined for two different initial angular wave functions. Each alignment curve can be analyzed in terms of the same set of relative cross sections for the individual Ca${(}^{1}$${\mathit{F}}_{3}$) magnetic sublevels, providing an independent verification of the data.