Transition probabilities for lines arising from levels belonging to the 3p5np (n = 4, 5, 6) configurations of Ar I

Abstract Lifetimes of thirteen levels belonging to the 3p 5 n p ( n = 5, 6) configurations of Ar I have been measured by means of the delayed coincidence method. Relative transition probabilities for sixty-seven 4s- n p ( n = 4, 5, 6) lines have been found. For twenty-six intense (4s-4p) lines the experimental absolute transition probabilities are given. From cascade components of the 5p levels, decay lifetime values for 4d and 6s levels have been inferred. Seven of these results are original, as well as the lifetimes of the 6p( 1 2 ) 1 and the 6pv( 1 2 ) 0 levels. The lifetimes of the last two levels are 324±14 and 190±10 n s, respectively.