Full set of relaxation constants for ¹⁷⁴Yb level (6s6p) ³P₁ in collisions with rare gases

For the first time, a complete set of decay parameters, due to collisions of ¹⁷⁴Yb atoms with noble gas atoms and with ytterbium atoms, was experimentally found for the ¹⁷⁴Yb (6s6p) ³P₁ level. The method of stimulated photon echo with special angles between the polarization vectors of light pulses forming an echo at the ¹⁷⁴Yb (6s²) ¹S₀—(6s6p) ³P₁ transition (type $0\leftrightarrow 1$) is used. For each buffer gas of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Yb, the decay rate constants of population, orientation and alignment for the collision destruction of the ³P₁ level of ¹⁷⁴Yb atoms are determined. All the decay rates demonstrated their linear increase with a buffer gas pressure, and the corresponding relaxation constants are determined. Each of the indicated relaxation constants, as well as the difference between the alignment and orientation relaxation constants, increases with the increasing buffer gas mass. (letter)