In xenon, the $5p^5 5d{[K=\frac{5}{2}]}_{J=3\mathrm{}}$ and $5p^5 5d{[K=\frac{7}{2}]}_{J=3\mathrm{}}$ atomic states have been excited by two-photon absorption from the ground state. It is shown that the two-photon absorption proceeds via off-resonant $E1-E2$ and $E2-E1$ transitions. Satisfactory agreement is found between experimental and estimated two-photon absorption rates for these processes.

• Received 3 September 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.45.1941