Detection of the Rydberg states of rubidium using a frequency doubled CW dye laser

Abstract

A sensitive method of detecting Rydberg atoms of Rb is described. The excitation source is a continuous-wave frequency doubled dye laser and detection is by a spacecharge limited thermionic triode. By applying a small electric field 2S, 2P and 2D series can be excited directly from the ground state. Term value for the 2S and 2D series up to 54 2S and 52 2D have been measured using the 2P states as references.