Lifetime control in Rydberg states using fast switching DC electric fields: II. Enhancement for nitric oxide

A new electric field switching technique is demonstrated which converts Rydberg states into highly stable long-lived ZEKE states (high-l) as low as n=45. The stability of these states is further improved by adding a subsequent pulse rotated by π/2. These states are now locked at both high l and m and are thus truly long lived and essentially immune to field induced decay. This method obviates the need for high ion concentrations to enhance Rydberg state lifetimes. External control of the lifetimes for a wide range of Rydberg states has many applications in the field of ZEKE spectroscopy.