Optical–optical double resonance process in free-jet supersonic expansion of van der Waals molecules: characteristics of the expansion, number of excited molecules and emitted photons

Abstract

Basic characteristics of a free-jet supersonic expansion beam are presented along with an estimation of a number of expanding CdAr and ZnAr molecules that are excited in the free-jet in the optical–optical double resonance process. The estimation is demonstrated for laser excitation from the ground, via respective A³0⁺(5³P₁) or C¹1(4¹P₁) intermediate, to the E³1(6³S₁) or ¹1(4¹D₂) Rydberg state of CdAr or ZnAr, respectively. A number of subsequently emitted and collected photons is also predicted.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Free-jet supersonic expansion
• number density of molecules
• Mach number
• optical–optical double resonance
• Rydberg molecular state

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Priority Research Area SciMat under the program Excellence Initiative—Research University at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Partial support of the National Science Centre Poland under grant number UMO-2015/17/B/ST4/04016 is also appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Priority Research Area SciMat under the program Excellence Initiative—Research University at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Partial support of the National Science Centre Poland [grant number UMO-2015/17/B/ST4/04016] is also appreciated.