Intersystem crossing and intramultiplet mixing of excited Zn atoms by Xe

Abstract

The intersystem crossing of Zn(4 1P1) and the intramultiplet mixing of Zn(4 3PJ) by Xe were examined by using pulsed laser techniques. The following thermally averaged cross sections were obtained: Zn(4 1P1)+Xe→Zn(4 3P2)+Xe: 3.4, Zn(4 1P1)+Xe→Zn(4 3P1)+Xe: 0.4, Zn(4 1P1)+Xe→Zn(4 3P0)+Xe: <0.01, Zn(4 3P1)+Xe→Zn(4 3P2)+Xe: 12.0×10−3, Zn(4 3P1)+Xe→Zn(4 3P0)+Xe: 6.3×10−3, in units of 10−16 cm2. These experimental results could well be reproduced by quantum close-coupling calculations by assuming suitable potential energy curves. The intersystem crossing by He was found to be inefficient.