Two-photon laser optogalvanic studies of the 6snf 3F4 Rydberg states of mercury by RF discharge

We present new experimental data on the energies and quantum defects of the highly excited states in mercury using the laser optogalvanic detection technique in conjunction with a RF discharge cell. The 6snp 3P2 (12 ≤ n ≤ 25) and 6snf 3F4 (9 ≤ n ≤ 52) Rydberg series have been observed via two photon excitation from the 6s6p 3P2 intermediate state, which is collisionally populated in the RF discharge. Three lines corresponding to transitions from the 6s6p 3P0 metastable state to 6s8p 3P0,2 and 6s5f 3F2 states are also located. The 6snf 3F4 Rydberg series to such high n-values are reported for the first time.