Abstract

High resolution spectra of platinum hollow cathodes have been obtained in the region from 220 nm to 5 μm using the Kitt Peak Fourier transform spectrometer (KPFTS).¹ An earlier analysis of the visible and ultraviolet spectra yielded precise energy levels for neutral platinum (Pt I).² More detailed analyses, based on the fine structure of each transition and due to the six naturally abundant isotopes, have resulted in values for the isotopic and hyperfine splitting coefficients for Pt I. In addition to several parity-forbidden transitions, some new energy levels have been found. A comparison with theoretical predictions has also been made. The spectrum of singly ionized platinum, Pt II, has also been analyzed in considerable detail. That analysis remains incomplete since allowed transitions connecting the ground state and several low-lying even levels occur only in the near vacuum ultraviolet where the KPFTS cannot operate. Attempts to complete the analysis of Pt II are described. A discussion of the platinum hollow cathode spectrum as a vacuum ultraviolet wavelength standard is presented, as well as the importance of certain Pt II transitions to astrophysical problems.

© 1986 Optical Society of America