Experimental mean-life determinations of 2p53pand 3dlevels in S VII and Ar IX

Experimental lifetimes of several levels in the 2 p 5 3 p and 3 d configurations in Ne-like sulphur, S VII, and argon, Ar IX, have been determined by the beam-foil technique. The ANDC method for cascade correction has been applied in the analyses of the 3 p decay curves. The results are generally in good agreement with recent theoretical values except for the 3 p 3 D levels for which significant deviations are observed. Similar discrepancies have also been observed in the isoelectronic Cl VIII system.