Observation of autoionizing Rydberg-electron wave packets in Xe

Abstract
The dynamics of spin-orbit autoionizing electron wave packets in Xe have been observed. Wave packets are created between the 2P3/2 and 2P1/2 ionization limits, with 33<<53, and observed for approximately four orbit periods using the optical Ramsey method. Comparison of the experimental spectra with calculations reveals an increase in the autoionization lifetime.