Emission spectrum of core-excited Li doublets

Configuration-interaction calculations have been carried out for the core-excited ²Dᵒ bound states of neutral Li. The levels 1s2p ³P 3d, 1s2p ³P 4d and 1s2p ¹P 3d are estimated to lie 524 235.5(3.0), 530 306.1(3.0), and 532 058.8(4.5) cm^-1 above the ground state, respectively. Using additional theoretical and experimental data for core-excited Li levels and calculated oscillator strengths, we have developed a consistent scheme for the decay of Li** doublets which explains the main features of this spectrum. Two previously observed lines λ=2846 and 3661 {} correspond to transitions between ²Dᵒ and ²P bound states, in agreement with an earlier assignment. Three other lines λ=2640, 3144, and 4590 {} result from bound states ²Dᵒ and ²P decaying into ²D and ²Pᵒ core-excited states which undergo rapid autoionization, in agreement with the prominent linewidths exhibited experimentally. Possible spin-forbidden electric-dipole transitions are discussed.