Lifetimes, branching ratios, and absolute transition probabilities in Hg i

Radiative lifetimes for ten levels from five configurations of Hg are determined by using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence on a Hg atomic beam. Branching ratios for UV and visible transitions from the levels are measured by using classical spectrophotometric techniques. A careful assessment of the total strength of IR transitions from the levels is performed by using both experimental and theoretical results. Lifetimes and branching ratios from this experiment are compared with results in the literature and with results from single-configuration calculations. Our experimental lifetimes and branching ratios are combined to determine accurate atomic transition probabilities for 23 lines that are commonly used to diagnose Hg plasmas.