Abstract
We analyze second-order and effects on the hyperfine structure (HFS) of the lowest-energy states of alkali-metal atoms arising from the coupling of the two fine-structure levels through the hyperfine interaction. We find these effects to be especially sizable in Li, leading to a correction to the most accurate reported experimental value of the HFS constant of [Das and Natarajan, J. Phys. B 41, 035001 (2008)]. For the remaining alkali-metal systems, the results tabulated within may be referenced as higher precision is sought in experimental determination of the HFS constants.
- Received 25 July 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.032519
©2008 American Physical Society