Effect of the Spatial Resolution Function of the Spectrometer on the Analysis of Multi-exponential Beam-foil Decay Curves

Abstract

The effect of the spatial resolution function of the spectrometer on beamfoil lifetime measurements is studied. Intensity curves obtained by convolution of the measured spatial resolution function and a sum of exponentials are compared with measured decay curves. Optimum spatial resolution functions are discussed and results of the analysis of decay curves obtained using different beam lengths viewed by the spectrometer are given, for two transitions presenting strong cascading: 3 s 3 d 3 D -3 s 4 f 3 F 0 in SV (568 Å) and 3 d 2 D -4 f 2 F 0 in S VI (465 Å).