Theoretical calculations of the diamagnetic Rydberg spectrum of Na

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Abstract
The near-threshold Rydberg diamagnetic (even parity, magnetic quantum number m=-2) spectrum of Na in a uniform magnetic field of 4.2 T is obtained using two distinct methods. The first method developed by Halley et al. (1992) combines R-matrix and quantum defect theory whilst the other method involves the use of a model potential. Our results agree well with those from experiment. The discrete diamagnetic (odd parity, magnetic quantum number m=0) spectrum of Na in a magnetic field of B=6.1 T is also calculated. We discuss the effect of quantum defect values on the spectra and the effect of variation of magnetic field strength on the position, the height, and the spacings of dominant lines. The results show that the methods mentioned above are effective in calculating the spectra of atoms in laboratory-strength fields, and that in basis-set calculations, the contribution from field-free continuum states is very important in the vicinity of the field-free ionization limit.