The determination of cross-sections for the quenching of resonance radiation of metal atoms. V. Results for lead
The flame fluorescence method has been used to determine the cross-sections for the collisional de-excitation of lead atoms from the first resonance level (6p7s 3 P 0 1 ) by hydrogen, oxygen, water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, argon and helium. The values obtained for the cross-sections—the square of the collision diameter—are (in 10 -16 cm 2 units) σ 2 H 2 = 0.4 ± 0.1, σ 2 O 2 , = 15 ± 3, σ 2 N 2 = 5.7 ± 0.5, σ 2 H 2 O = 8 ± 2, σ 2 CO = 13 ± 3, σ 2 CO 2 = 29 ± 5, σ 2 Ar ≈ 0 ( < 1.6), σ 2 He ≈ 0 (< 0.6). The interpretation of these overall quenching cross-sections in terms of the various possible quenching processes is discussed. For some flames the fluorescence has been resolved into the component wavelengths— 405.8, 368.3, and 364.0 nm—and found to have a non-equilibrium distribution of intensities. An additional non-equilibrium effect on the intensity distribution which is attributable to chemi-excitation of lead atoms in the flames is described and discussed. The apparatus previously used is modified; the high intensity hollow cathode lead lamp used is described.