Abstract

We have utilized resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) to investigate the spectroscopy and dynamics of multiphoton absorption in Be. This work is directed towards developing methods for selective laser ionization of the isotope ¹⁰Be, a long-lived radionuclide (τ_1/2 = 1.6 × 10⁶ a) used for geological dating purposes. Since Be is the simplest “two - electron” atom that can be excited by absorption of a few photons at convenient laser wavelengths, these studies may also contribute to understanding the nonlinear interaction of radiation with many-electron systems.

© 1986 Optical Society of America