The Li i 1s2${\mathit{p}}^2$${\mathrm{}}^4$P–2${\mathit{p}}^3$${\mathrm{}}^4$${\mathit{S}}^{\mathrm{o}}$ transition has been studied in the spectrum of foil-excited lithium ions; its wavelength has been determined to be λ=145.016±0.006 Å, in good agreement with previous experimental results. The lifetime of the triply excited 2$p^3$ ${}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}S_{}^o{}_{}{}^{}$ level has been derived from decay curves as τ=13.5±1.5 ps. Both values agree with very recent theoretical predictions.

• Received 13 October 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.39.3964