Precision and accuracy of lifetimes of metastable levels using the Kingdon trap technique

Abstract

The accuracy of measurements of the lifetimes of metastable levels using a Kingdon ion trap technique is discussed with reference to the recent measurement of the transition rate from the excited 2 s2 p 3 P 2 level of AR XV. Particular attention focused on the aspects of the Kingdon trap technique, which differed from competing alternatives and might apply differently to ground and excited terms. These differences are related to the corrections for quenching of the metastable level by ion–atom collisions, to the possible quenching by Stark mixing due to the higher electric field of the Kingdon trap, and to optical effects associated with the charging of a lens in the light collection system. No significant systematic corrections to present excited level measurements were identified.