Series and Term Values in the Arc Spectrum of Tellurium

Abstract

Tellurium was excited in an electrodeless discharge tube in such a manner that the arc lines could be distinguished from the spark. The spectrum was photographed in the visible and infrared, and series were found corresponding to those given in Fowler's Report on Series in Line Spectra for the first three elements of the oxygen group. From the limit thus established, which is the lowest level of Te II ($5{p}^{3}:^{4}S_{\frac{3}{2}}$), term values are given down to the lowest level of Te I ($5{p}^{4}:^{3}P_{2}$). The ionizing potential is found to be 72,667 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ or 8.96 volts. A list of the wave-lengths of all the stronger lines, in addition to those classified, is given.