Effect of electric fields on the decay branching ratio of Pe1 doubly excited states in helium measured by time-resolved fluorescence

We have measured the lifetimes of P-1(e) (n=9-12) doubly excited states in static electric fields (1-6 kV/cm) by observing the decay of the fluorescence signal as a function of time. The effects of the field on these helium states below the second ionization threshold are twofold: their excitation becomes possible due to the Stark mixing with the optically allowed P-1(o) series, and their lifetime is strongly modified by the opening of the autoionization channel, not accessible in zero field. Although the electric field represents only a tiny perturbation of the atomic potential, a substantial shortening of the lifetimes below 100 ps is observed. This is the simplest quantum system where the ratio of autoionization to fluorescence decay probability can be effectively controlled by an electric field of moderate strength.