Abstract

In the region 6709–2302A the wavelengths of sixty lines in the first spectra of the even isotopes of mercury, ₈₀Hg¹⁹⁸ and ₈₀Hg²⁰², have been measured relative to 5460.7532A. Electrodeless tubes (see reference 3) containing 0.5 mg of mercury were excited by radio waves of 90- to 300-mc frequency. Comparison with the data of Meggers and Kessler (see reference 5) shows the median difference AOW–MK to be 0.0001A. A comparison of the wavelength and level systems of the two isotopes confirms our opinion that the spectrum of natural mercury may be useful as a source of secondary standards, since the isotope shift of the odd level 6p ¹P₁° is nearly the same as that of several even levels.

We are indebted to Director Condon and Dr. Meggers of the National Bureau of Standards for a sample of ₈₀Hg¹⁹⁸ which was derived from radioactive gold in cooperation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission. The sample of ₈₀Hg²⁰² was produced by Carbide and Carbon Chemical Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 Area and obtained on allocation from the Isotopes Division of the AEC.

© 1952 Optical Society of America

Energy Levels and Wavelengths of the Isotopes of Mercury-199 and -200

Keivin Burns and Kenneth B. Adams
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 42(10) 716-721 (1952)

Wavelengths, Energy Levels, and Pressure Shifts in Mercury 198

Victor Kaufman
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 52(8) 866-870 (1962)

Interference Measurements in the Spectrum of Argon I

Keivin Burns and Kenneth B. Adams
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 43(11) 1020-1024 (1953)

Wave-Lengths of Mercury 198

William F. Meggers and Karl G. Kessler
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 40(11) 737-741 (1950)

Energy Levels and Wavelengths of Natural Cadmium and of Cadmium-114

Keivin Burns and Kenneth B. Adams
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 46(2) 94-99 (1956)