All Problems

Properties of Atoms. Spectra.

Problem 6.129

Atomic lithium of concentration \(n=3.6 \cdot 10^{16} \mathrm{~cm}^{-3}\) is at a temperature \(T=1500 \mathrm{~K}\). In this case the power emitted at the resonant line's wavelength \(\lambda=671 \mathrm{nm}(2 P \rightarrow 2 S)\) per unit volume of gas is equal to \(P=0.30 \mathrm{~W} / \mathrm{cm}^{3} .\) Find the mean lifetime of Li atoms in the resonance excitation state.

Reveal Answer
τ=(nω/P)(g/g0)eω/kT=65 ns, where g and g0are the degeneracy ratios of the resonant and the basic level.\tau=(n \hbar \omega / P)\left(g / g_{0}\right) \mathrm{e}^{-\hbar \omega / k T}=65 \mathrm{~ns}, \text { where } g \text { and } g_{0} \text {are the degeneracy ratios of the resonant and the basic level.}