Quantum defects of nFJ levels of Cs Rydberg atoms

We present precise measurements of the quantum defects of cesium nF(J) Rydberg levels. We employ high-precision microwave spectroscopy of (n + 2)(D5/2). nF(5/2,7/2) transitions for n = 45 to 50 in a cold-atom setup. Cold cesium (n + 2)(D5/2) atoms, prepared via two-photon laser excitation, are probed by scanning weak microwave fields interacting with the atoms across the nF(5/2,7/2) resonances. Transition spectra are acquired using state-selective electric-field ionization and time-gated ion detection. Transition-frequency intervals are obtained by Lorentzian fits to the measured spectral lines, which have linewidths ranging between 70 and 190 kHz, corresponding to about one to three times the Fourier limit. A comprehensive analysis of relevant line-shift uncertainties and line-broadening effects is conducted. We find quantum defect parameters delta(0) (F-5/2) = 0.033 415 37(70) and delta(2) (F-5/2) = -0.2014(16), as well as delta(0) (F-7/2) = 0.033 564 6(13) and delta(2) (F-7/2) = -0.2052(29), for J = 5/2 and 7/2, respectively. Fine-structure parameters A(FS) and B-FS for Cs nF(J) are also obtained. Results are discussed in context with previous works, and the significance of the results is discussed.