Radiative lifetimes of neutral erbium.

Radiative lifetimes have been measured for 123 levels of neutral erbium using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence on a slow beam of erbium atoms. Of the 123 levels, 56 are even parity and range in energy from 26 993 to 40 440 cm[?]1 and 67 are odd parity ranging from 16 070 to 38 401 cm[?]1. This set of Er i lifetimes is much more extensive than others published to date, with 90 of the 123 level lifetimes measured for the first time. These lifetimes will provide the absolute calibration for a large set of measured Er i transition probabilities. Spectroscopic studies of rare earth elements including erbium are motivated by research needs in both the astrophysics and lighting communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]