Abstract

Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has several projects dedicated to developing new resonance ionization techniques and the study of related basic processes. The two techniques described here differ from most resonance ionization experiments in that the lasers used for resonant excitation are not required to photoionize the excited state atom. This permits excellent sensitivity to be achieved even when relatively weak lasers are used for the resonance steps. In one case, continuous wave (cw) lasers provide isotopically selective resonant excitation and a medium intensity infrared laser ionizes the excited atoms. In the other case, pulsed lasers are used for resonant excitation, and collisions with an inert buffer gas produce ionization. The merits of these techniques are discussed.

© 1987 Optical Society of America