Laser optogalvanic spectroscopy of the even-parity Rydberg states of atomic mercury

We present new experimental data on the highly excited levels in mercury using the optogalvanic detection technique in conjunction with a dc discharge cell. The collisionally populated 6s6p (3)p(2) metastable level has been used as an intermediate level to access the Rydberg states using a frequency-doubled dye laser covering the wavelength region between 370 and 249 nm. The optogalvanic data reveal 6sns S-3(1)(13 <= n <= 50), 6snd D-1(2)(6 <= n <= 18), 6snp D-3(1)(6 <= n <= 14), 6snd D-3(2)(6 <= n <= 15), and 6snd D-3(3)(6 <= n <= 59) Rydberg series. The 6sns S-3(1) and 6snd D-3(3) Rydberg series to such a high n value have been reported for the first time. In addition, collisionally induced parity-forbidden transitions 6snp P-3(1)(44 <= n <= 50) have been detected. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America