Collision-induced transitions between the Zeeman-split (J,m) levels of Rb(5 2P1/2, 5 2P3/2)

The collisional dynamics of the Zeeman-split levels of Rb(5 ²P_1/2, 5 ²P_3/2) has been studied in the presence of a strong magnetic field (1.65 T) using steady-state, spectrally resolved laser-induced fluorescence techniques. State-to-state cross sections for transitions between (J,m) levels ranged from 1.6×10^-15 to 2.5×10^-14 cm² for collisions with nitrogen and rare gases. The cross sections indicate a significant dependence on (J,m) states and certain symmetry relations such as σ(J,m-->J,m')=σ(J,-m-->J,- m') and σ(J,m-->J,'m)=σ(J,- m-->J',-m) are demonstrated. The results also agree favorably with theoretical predictions of the relative decay rates for orientation, alignment, and octupole moment. The cross sections for rare-gas collision partners scale with polarizability as predicted.