Atomic Transition Probabilities of Sodium and Magnesium. A Critical Compilation

Abstract

This compilation is the first in a series of updates to a critical compilation published in 1969 [W. L. Wiese, M. W. Smith, and B. M. Miles, Atomic Transition Probabilities, Vol. II: Sodium through Calcium, NSRDS-NBS Vol. 2 (U.S. GPO, Washington, D.C., 1969)]. Atomic transition probabilities have been critically evaluated and compiled for about 11 400 spectral lines of sodium and magnesium (nuclear charge Z=11–12, respectively). The cited values and their estimated uncertainties are based on our consideration of all available theoretical and experimental literature sources. All ionization stages (except for hydrogenic) are covered, and the data are presented in separate tables for each atom and ion. Separate listings are given for “allowed” (electric dipole) transitions, on the one hand, and for “forbidden” (magnetic dipole plus electric and magnetic quadrupole) transitions, on the other. In each spectrum, lines are grouped into multiplets which are arranged in order of ascending lower and upper-level energies, respectively. For each line, the emission transition probability Aki, the line strength S, and (for allowed lines) the absorption oscillator strength fik are given, together with the spectroscopic designation, the wavelength, the statistical weights, and the energy levels of the lower and upper states. The estimated relative uncertainties of the line strength are also indicated, as are the source citations. We introduce a statistical method that we use to estimate these uncertainties for most of the cited transition rates. We only include those lines whose transition rates are deemed sufficiently accurate to qualify as reference values. Short introductions precede the tables for each ion. The general introduction contains a discussion of the principal criteria for our judgments and our method of data selection and evaluation.