1. Photon flux optimization in three-color multiphoton ionization of uranium atoms
- Author
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Joshua J. Ivry, Lawrence A. Levin, Moshe Strauss, G. Hazak, R. David, A. Bar-Shalom, Zeev Burshtein, J. Oreg, and David Levron
- Subjects
Physics ,education.field_of_study ,Photon ,Population ,Photoionization ,Molar ionization energies of the elements ,Ion ,Isotope separation ,law.invention ,law ,Ionization ,Physics::Atomic and Molecular Clusters ,Physics::Atomic Physics ,Atomic physics ,education ,Excitation - Abstract
Ionization probability in three color excitation of uranium atoms depends on the photon flux which drives the transition to an autoionizing level. For a proper choice of the flux ratio, the ionization probability is insensitive of the actual fluxes over a considerable range. Thus, the laser intensities used may be lowered by a factor of about 3 as compared to values predicted on the basis of cross-sections of the individual transitions. A quantum-mechanical model, based on a detailed calculation of population dynamics of the levels in the ionization scheme, predicts the ionization probability as a function of the three-laser intensities. Ionization saturation measurements provide parameters for the model. The theoretical predictions were partially consistent with the experimental results. Ionization probabilities as high as 93% are achievable.
- Published
- 1993
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