Comment on the lifetime of the Li 1s2p2 2P state: How probable is radiative autoionization?
Abstract
The 1s2p2 2P state of lithium can autoionize by decaying radiatively into the adjacent continuum. The probability is smaller than the discrete transition probability to the ground state 1s22p 2Po and equal to the decay probability to the 2Po Rydberg series. Our theoretical lifetime, τ=0.041×10-9 sec, differs from the experimental value of τ=0.015+/-0.01×10-9 sec. The mechanism of radiative autoionization affects the deexcitation dynamics of many valence excited states of neutral species.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review A
- Pub Date:
- June 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevA.17.2116
- Bibcode:
- 1978PhRvA..17.2116N