Photoionisation of atomic sulphur

The photoionisation spectrum of atomic sulphur prepared by the reaction of H atoms with H2S, is presented from its ionisation threshold to 925 AA. Autoionisation peaks assigned to quasidiscrete levels . . . (2D degrees )nd3S degrees ,3P degrees are sharp, whereas those designated . . . (2D degrees )nd3D degrees are broad. This latter feature parallels the discontinuity observed between first-row and heavier elements in the noble gases and halogens. There is evidence for severe perturbation in the . . , (2D degrees )nd3P degrees series, which could conceivably be attributed to a proximate 3s3p53P degrees state.