Wavelength calibration of the CI line at 94.5 nm for comparison with quasar data

With the use of an ultra-narrow-band extreme ultraviolet laser source, tunable near 94 nm, transition wavelengths are determined for lines connecting the 1s(2)2s(2)2p(2) P-3(0,1,2) ground-term levels to the 1s(2)2s2p(3) S-3(1) excited level in neutral carbon at an absolute accuracy of 4x10(-8). With the determination of the zero-velocity rest-frame wavelengths these lines can be included in an analysis of a possible temporal variation of the fine-structure constant alpha from a comparison with quasar data. A value for the C-12/C-13 transition isotope shift was also obtained yielding 0.5107(13) cm(-1), in average over the three fine-structure lines. The latter measurement will allow to study isotopic evolution in the universe and test models of nuclear processes in stars

Atomic transition frequencies, isotope shifts, and sensitivity to variation of the fine structure constant for studies of quasar absorption spectra

Theories unifying gravity with other interactions suggest spatial and temporal variation of fundamental "constants" in the Universe. A change in the fine structure constant, alpha, could be detected via shifts in the frequencies of atomic transitions in quasar absorption systems. Recent studies using 140 absorption systems from the Keck telescope and 153 from the Very Large Telescope, suggest that alpha varies spatially. That is, in one direction on the sky alpha seems to have been smaller at the time of absorption, while in the opposite direction it seems to have been larger. To continue this study we need accurate laboratory measurements of atomic transition frequencies. The aim of this paper is to provide a compilation of transitions of importance to the search for alpha variation. They are E1 transitions to the ground state in several different atoms and ions, with wavelengths ranging from around 900 - 6000 A, and require an accuracy of better than 10^{-4} A. We discuss isotope shift measurements that are needed in order to resolve systematic effects in the study. The coefficients of sensitivity to alpha-variation (q) are also presented.Comment: Includes updated version of the "alpha line" lis

Extreme-ultraviolet laser metrology of OI transitions

Some 16 transitions in atomic oxygen originating from its P-3 ground state were measured using a tunable narrow-band extreme-ultraviolet laser source, with an unprecedented accuracy of Delta lambda/lambda= 8 x 10(-8). The results are relevant for comparisons with spectral absorption features observed in the line of sight of quasars, in order to test a possible variation of the fine-structure constant alpha on a cosmological time-scale

Lithium vapour excitation at 2S→3D two-photon resonance

We report study of processes which occur in lithium vapour under two-photon excitation of the Li(3D) state at 639.1 nm. A time-resolved technique has been used to measure the fluorescence from the Li(3D), Li(2P) and Li(3P) states. We have determined radiation rates for lithium atom densities in the range 1013-1014 cm-3 and laser powers (105-106 Wcm-2). The ground-state lithium atom density was determined by knowing temperature and vapour pressure in a modified heat-pipe oven. The contribution to radiation rates from different processes and prospect for cross-section determination of homonuclear reverse energy-pooling are discussed

Study of Mn laser ablation in methane atmosphere

Laser ablation of Mn target in vacuum and in the presence of CH4 was studied under 308 nm laser irradiation. Time-resolved emission using gated detection and scanning monochromator and absorption using the cavity ring-down spectroscopy were used to study vaporized plume. In the CH4 atmosphere we observed transitions identified as C2 and MnH bands, while these spectral features were not detected in emission spectra. This is a clear evidence of importance in combining both spectroscopic techniques in laser vaporized plume study