Accurate calculations of 3pand 3dlifetimes in the Na sequence

Abstract

Computed lifetimes for the 3p ${}_{}{}^2{}_{}{}^{}P_{1/2}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$, P3$p^2$ $P_{3/2}$, 3d ${}_{}{}^2{}_{}{}^{}D_{3/2}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$, and 3$d^2$ $D_{5/2}$ levels in the sodium isoelectronic sequence are presented for Z=11–54, 74, 79, 90, and 92. These calculations agree well with recent high-precision lifetime measurements, and conflict with some ab initio estimates which indicated lifetimes shorter than those experimentally observed. Our calculations involve the inclusion of experimental energy-level data and the use of a realistic model potential, which utilizes comprehensive spectroscopic measurements that have recently become available. We also demonstrate that the core-polarization effects are significant and must be included to obtain agreement with experiment. As part of the study, we used the existing data base and Dirac-Fock methods to determine new values for ionization potentials in this sequence.