Autoionization Spectra of Lithium

Resonances have been observed in neutral lithium vapor by absorption spectroscopy for photons in the 50- to 70-eV energy range. These resonances are due to the excitation of a K-shell electron, or the simultaneous excitation of a K-shell electron and an outer electron to final states of the type ($1s2pnl$) or (1snln^'l^'). Several well-developed series have been observed as well as resonances where energy position and intensity are perturbed by neighboring configurations.