Laser excited population redistribution in the 2p53p multiplet in neon

Using neon hollow cathode lamp and employing laser optogalvanic technique, we have studied population redistribution in the 2p(5)3p multiple The spectra recorded in the laser energy region of 23300 cm(-1) -23600 cm(-1) show transitions originating from both the laser excited levels as well as from an adjacent level whose population builds up as a result of collisional deactivation. Employing the optical delay technique, we have been able to extract decay rates associated with the collisional population mixing of the p levels. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.