Classification of Spectral Lines by Means of their Hyperfine Structure. Application to Ta I and Ta II Levels

Abstract

A computer program for managing extended spectral line lists is presented, which allows classification of previously unknown lines via their expected hyperfine patterns. The program also includes several search strategies for finding unknown energy levels from unclassified lines. Some examples for the Ta I and the Ta II spectra are given, and the discovery of 11 Ta I levels of odd parity and 3 Ta II levels of even parity is reported. These latter levels are the highest known Ta II energy levels.