Diffusion cross sections for potassium 4(2)P(3/2) and 4(2)P(1/2) levels in rare gases

We have used a light-induced drift (LID) experiment to determine ratios of cross sections for diffusion of potassium in the excited 4(2)P(3/2), 4(2)P(1/2) and the ground 4(2)S(1/2) levels in five rare gases. The measured ratios are combined with the ground-state cross sections and statistically averaged excited cross sections, available from a previously reported light induced diffusive pulling experiment, to obtain the absolute cross sections for individual fine structure levels. We also report calculated cross sections based on available potential curves and a coupled-channel theory. Rough qualitative agreement is generally found between the absolute cross sections inferred from experiment and the theoretical values. The light-induced drift experiments, however, measure ratios of cross section differences that are highly sensitive to the potential curves. It is found that the available potential curves are not adequate for predicting these measured ratios.