New method for cascade-free lifetime measurements

Abstract

A new method is presented for cascade-free high-precision lifetime measurements of highly excited atomic states. Experimental examples are given for the lifetimes of the ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ $6p ^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ level and the Ne $3p ^{\ensuremath{'}}[\frac{3}{2}]_{2}$ level. The experimental arrangement uses a fast ion beam which is excited in a gas cell and, after a definite time of flight, is further excited by a continuous-wave intracavity dye-laser beam. Further possible applications of the method are mentioned.