Temperature dependence of the spin–orbit relaxation of lead, 6p2(3P2) and (3P1)

Abstract
Rate constants for the collisional deactivation of Pb 6p2(3P2) and (3P1) metastable states are reported over the temperature range 300 to 600 °K. Quenching data over this temperature range were obtained for relaxation by Ar, Xe, H2, D2, N2 and by Hg at 373 °K. These results were obtained in a temperature controlled, flash photolysis apparatus using tetramethyl lead as a precursor and time resolved atomic resonance absorption techniques for monitoring the 3P2 and 3P1 metastable states of interest.