Stark widths of several Pb III spectral lines in a laser-induced lead plasma

Abstract

Context: Data on Stark widths of spectral lines are relevant not only for atomic structure research, but also for astrophysics and analytical techniques of plasma diagnosis. Aims: Stark widths of ten doubly ionized lead spectral lines that belong to 7s–7p, 6d–7p and 6p²–7p transitions have been measured. Methods: We observe the emission lines from an optically thin laser induced plasma from a lead target in an argon atmosphere. The studied plasma has a temperature of about 25 200 K and an electron density of about 10¹⁷ cmˉ³. Local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions and plasma homogeneity have been checked. Special attention was paid to the possible selfabsorption of the different transitions. Results: We report ten new experimental values for Stark widths (FWHM) of Pb III lines.