Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of two-photon-excited singlet states of mercury

Abstract

The authors report on the two-photon excitation of 1S0 and 1D2 states in mercury by pulsed ultraviolet dye laser radiation. A time-resolved registration of two-photon-excited fluorescence provided an accurate determination of the radiative lifetimes of the levels 71S0 to 91S0 and 61D2 to 81D2. In an external magnetic field Zeeman quantum beats and the zero-field level crossing signal have been observed. Furthermore the authors describe conditions which cause strong emission of amplified spontaneous radiation in transitions between highly excited mercury levels.