Radiative lifetimes of 7d, 8d D-1(2) excited states of HgI

Radiative lifetimes of 7d, 8d D-1(2) excited states of Hg I are measured us ing pulsed two-photon excitation from the ground [Xe]5d(10)6s(2) S-1(o) mer cury state, detecting the decay of the laser-induced fluorescence. The resu lts are compared with theoretical values, obtained by means of a Hartree-Fo ck single configuration method, taking into account electron configuration interaction. The radiative lifetime value dependence on the effective princ ipal quantum number for the nd D-1(2) series is analyzed and compared with the quantum defect dependence.