The effects due to the presence of a (possibly intense) probe laser, which is used to interrogate the asymptotic excited-$m_j$-state distribution resulting from the evolution through a half-collision, are systematically studied. Experimental results are obtained which are in good qualitative agreement with predictions based on a recent theoretical treatment. Finally, a simple interpretation of the relevant physical processes involved is suggested by considering the problem within a dressed-state representation.

• Received 6 October 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.35.1013