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

Measurement and modeling of a diamond deposition reactor: hydrogen atom and electron number densities in an Ar/H2 arc jet discharge

A combination of experiment [optical emission and cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) of electronically excited H atoms] and two-dimensional (2D) modeling has enabled a uniquely detailed characterization of the key properties of the Ar/H2 plasma within a 10-kW, twin-nozzle dc arc jet reactor. The modeling provides a detailed description of the initial conditions in the primary torch head and of the subsequent expansion of the plasma into the lower pressure reactor chamber, where it forms a cylindrical plume of activated gas comprising mainly of Ar, Ar+, H, ArH+, and free electrons. Subsequent reactions lead to the formation of H2 and electronically excited atoms, including H(n=2) and H(n=3) that radiate photons, giving the plume its characteristic intense emission. The modeling successfully reproduces the measured spatial distributions of H(n>1) atoms, and their variation with H2 flow rate, F. Computed H(n=2) number densities show near-quantitative agreement with CRDS measurements of H(n=2) absorption via the Balmer- transition, successfully capturing the observed decrease in H(n=2) density with increased F. Stark broadening of the Balmer- transition depends upon the local electron density in close proximity to the H(n=2) atoms. The modeling reveals that, at low F, the maxima in the electron and H(n=2) atom distributions occur in different spatial regions of the plume; direct analysis of the Stark broadening of the Balmer- line would thus lead to an underestimate of the peak electron density. The present study highlights the necessity of careful intercomparisons between quantitative experimental data and model predictions in the development of a numerical treatment of the arc jet plasma. The kinetic scheme used here succeeds in describing many disparate observations—e.g., electron and H(n=2) number densities, spatial distributions of optical emission from the plume, the variation of these quantities with added flow of H2 and, when CH4 is added, absolute number densities and temperatures of radicals such as C2 and CH. The remaining limitations of the model are discussed. ©2005 American Institute of Physic

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