We report on the measurement of density-sensitive electric quadrupole transitions in neonlike molybdenum and silver laser-produced plasmas. These observations are unique in that they represent data which are simultaneously space and time resolved. The electron densities were determined using holographic interferometry. We test the predicted density sensitivity of the electric quadrupole transitions and find excellent agreement with calculations using a detailed, steady-state, collisional-radiative model of the neonlike charge state.

• Received 26 September 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.62.1266