BEAM-LASER MEASUREMENTS OF THE LIFETIMES OF THE 6P LEVELS IN YB-II

Results are presented for the lifetimes of the 6p levels in Yb II, viz ., 8.07+/-0.09 ns for the j=1.2 level and 6.15+/-0.09 ns for the j=3/2 level. These are compared with previous experiments and calculations. Our values are in excellent agreement with previous experiments, but show a significant improvement in precision. The results from previous calculations show a rather wide scatter but the experimental values a re still consistent with the means of the calculated values within tha t scatter. However, there does still appear to be a need for a more co mplete calculation for the Yb+ ion.