Hyperfine structure of Sc I by infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy

Abstract

The spectrum of scandium was recorded in the infrared region using a high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer and a hollow-cathode discharge. Hyperfine structures of the lines connecting the 3d24s and 3d4s4p level systems of Sc45 I were observed between 4000 and 5000 cm−1. The structures were not completely resolved but the individual line contributions to the complex profiles were simulated using the 3d24s 4FJ hyperfine structure constants previously measured with a high precision by laser techniques. We investigate the possibility of extracting the hyperfine constants of the 3d4s4p levels from a least-squares fit of the line profiles, assuming a Doppler lineshape and theoretical relative intensities. New results are presented for 12 levels.