Three-step laser excitation of the , J = 1, 2, 3 autoionizing Rydberg levels of lead

Abstract

We report here first measurements of the odd-parity J =1, 2 and J = 0, 1, 2, 3 autoionizing Rydberg levels of lead using a three-step laser excitation scheme in conjunction with an atomic beam apparatus. Four initial levels J = 1, 2 were chosen for the excitation of the final levels. The assignments have been made using the -coupling scheme for the observed levels. The Rydberg series , , and as well as are reported. All the observed series exhibit constant quantum defects with respect to the ionization potential value . The full widths at half the maximum of the observed levels are also reported.