Photoelectron spectra of outer p shells of alkali metal atoms using He resonance radiation: multiplet and satellite structure

Abstract

Atomic vapours of alkali metal atoms are studied with the technique of photoelectron spectroscopy, using He I and He II resonance lines. Multiplet structure due to np5(n+1)s3P2,1,0 and 1P1 final states are well resolved for Na(n=2), K(n=3), Rb(n=4) and Cs(n=5). Additional strong satellites as a result of the interaction of np5nd configuration are observed for K, Rb and Cs. The intensity and the position of these satellites agree quite well with the existing empirically adjusted HF calculations for Rb and Cs. The observed 3P/1P intensity ratio for Na deviates strongly from the theoretical HF value for 40.8 eV radiation which indicates configuration interaction between the final continuum states.