High-resolution triple-resonance autoionization of uranium isotopes

Abstract The near-threshold autoionization (AI) spectrum of uranium has been investigated by triple-resonance excitation with single-mode continuous lasers. Spectra were recorded over the first ∼30 cm − 1 above the first ionization limit at a resolution of 3 × 10 − 4 cm − 1 using intermediate states with different J values (6, 7, 8) to assign AI level total angular momentum J AI  = 5 to 9. Resonances with widths ranging from 8 MHz to 30 GHz were observed; the strongest ones have J AI  = 9 and widths of ∼60 MHz. Hyperfine structures for 235 U and isotope shifts for 234, 235 U have been measured in the two intermediate levels and in the final AI level for the most favorable excitation path. T…