Line Strengths for Neutral and Singly Ionized Neon

Abstract

A review is given of the available information on the line strengths for the 3s-3p and 3p-3d transitions of Ne II and the 3s-3p transitions of Ne I. Measurements of the relative line strengths for Ne II, not previously available, have been made using an electrically driven shock tube as the spectroscopic source. The determinations show definite departures from the results of previous calculations. Quantum-mechanical sum rules are employed to select the most reliable set of relative values for Ne I line strengths from previously reported measurements. Arguments establishing the absolute scale for both Ne I and Ne II transition probabilities are proposed which are believed to yield values accurate to within 20%.