Atomic Lifetimes in Neon I

Mean lives of a number of electronically excited atomic levels in Ne i have been determined using a method of delayed coincidence. Following a detailed description of the experimental procedure and a discussion of a series of trial runs in He i, the measured values of the mean lives of the 2p₁ through 2p₉, 3p₁, 3p₁₀, and 4d₁^' (Paschen notation) levels in neutral neon are given. These lifetimes, determined from transitions with associated wavelengths extending from {≈}3400 to {≈}6400 {}, ranged in value from {≈} 14 to {≈} 500 nsec. The lifetimes were estimated to contain possible systematic errors varying from 5 to 20% and are presented in comparison with corresponding results of other workers.