Optogalvanic detection of barium high-lying levels with a two-step pulsed laser excitation

Abstract

Highly excited levels of neutral barium have been investigated by using a two-step pulsed laser excitation combined with an optogalvanic detection. The excitation process starts from the 5d 6s 3D1,2,3 metastable levels that are populated in a heat-pipe discharge. It leads to the even parity 5dn1 configurations via the 5d 6p intermediate levels. Levels with J values ranging from 0 to 5 can be observed. Preliminary results are given.