Lifetime measurements in LaII and LaIII using time-resolved laser spectroscopy

Lifetime determinations for eleven levels in La II and two levels in La III have been performed using time-resolved laser spectroscopy. Free La+ and L a++ ions were produced in a laser-induced plasma and selective excitation w as obtained with narrow-bandwidth, 1 ns duration tunable laser pulses. Life time values were evaluated from the time-resolved fluorescence signals reco rded by a fast detection system. The La III data are believed to be the fir st ones obtained for a doubly charged lanthanide ion by laser spectroscopy. The results are compared with previous measurements by other authors.