Just as a satellite requires a boost of power to change from one Earth orbit to a higher one, electrons require an energy boost (in quantum steps) to change from one orbital pattern around the nucleus to another. JILA researchers used pulses of ultrafast laser light to boost the outer electron in rubidium atoms to higher, "excited" levels, then detected the energy released by the atoms in the form of fluorescent light as they "relaxed" back to their natural state. This three-dimensional plot shows changes in the intensity of the light emitted by the atoms in 300 microseconds. The JILA technique should allow scientists to measure and control these "transitions" between atomic energy levels much more efficiently than with conventional methods.

Credit: NIST

Disclaimer: Any mention of commercial products within NIST web pages is for information only; it does not imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST.

Use of NIST Information: