Decay of Resonance Radiation in a Pulsed Discharge in Krypton

Abstract

The decay of resonance radiation $\lambda 1236$ Å in the afterglow of a pulsed dc discharge in krypton has been measured as a function of time for krypton pressures between 0.2 and 6 Torr. The analysis of the decay curves is interpreted in terms of transitions involving the $1s_4$, $1s_5$ levels and the ground state. The decay time for the escape of resonance radiation has been measured and the radiative lifetime of the $1s_4$ level calculated to be 4.15 × ${10}^{-9\mathrm{}}$ sec using the theory of radiation trapping due to Holstein. Previous interpretations of the decay of metastable atoms have been confirmed.