Hyperfine-structure studies of ^93Nb by laser optogalvanic spectroscopy

Abstract

The hyperfine structure of 22 states of niobium is studied by Doppler-limited laser optogalvanic spectroscopy. The sample was prepared by a sputtering technique employing a niobium-neon hollow-cathode lamp. A frequency-stabilized single-frequency ring dye laser was used for excitation, and optogalvanic spectroscopy techniques were used for detection. From the recorded well-resolved hyperfine spectra the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole coupling constants are evaluated. The hyperfine coupling constants for 13 states belonging to the configurations 4d45s, 4d45p, and 4d35s5p are being reported for the first time to our knowledge. The values obtained are compared with previous data when available.