ISSN:
1432-0649
Keywords:
32.00
;
42.55
;
42.65
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract When mercury atoms, present with a buffer gas (N2 or Ar) in a quartz cell or in a graphite furnace are excited into the 73 S 1 level by means of two pulsed dye lasers tuned at 253.652 nm (61 S o → 63 P 1) and 435.835 nm (63 P 1 → 73 S 1), a laser-like, collimated emission is observed along the axis of the cell at the green mercury line (73 S 1 → 63 P 2), 546.074 nm). This radiation exhibits a pronounced non-linear dependence upon the number density of the mercury atoms in the cell. This behaviour is interpreted as being due to amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), which occurs as a result of the transient population inversion between the 7s 3 S 1 and 6p 3 P 2 o levels. The parameters governing the population inversion can be deduced by applying a rate equation analysis to the atomic system. A time-resolved observation of both ASE and spontaneous fluorescence signals confirms the totally different characteristics of the two emission processes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01082625
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