Theory of the Forbidden Transitions of Nitrogen Atoms Trapped in Solids

Abstract

A detailed theory of the forbidden transitions of nitrogen atoms trapped in solids is given. The trapped atoms are perturbed by the solid. Configuration interaction, produced by the solid, is important. Splittings and shifts of levels, and reduction of half-lives are explained in one consistent scheme. The trapping sites of atoms are shown to have low symmetry and to be nearly identical for different atoms.