Analysis of the free ion Nd3+ spectrum (Nd IV)

Abstract

A recent breakthrough in the analysis of Nd IV resulted in the establishment of 37 energy levels of the ground configuration 4f3. We report here the completion to all 41 levels of this configuration. Wavelength measurements extended to 2800 Å and in higher excitation conditions lead to the classification of 1426 lines involving the excited configurations 4f25d, 4f26p, 4f26s. Owing to configuration mixing between 5p64f26p and the core-excited 5p54f4, numerous 5p64f25d–5p54f4 transitions, normally dipole-forbidden, are observed. Altogether 111 odd parity levels and 121 even parity ones have been established. Their parametric least-squares fits have rms deviations of 91 cm−1 and 37 cm−1, respectively. The interaction 5p64f25d–5p54f35d has an impact on the 4f3–4f25d transition probabilities computed by means of the Cowan codes. Theoretical values of lifetimes are reported for all the even parity levels.