Lifetimes of some $2s^{2}2p {}^2{P}_{3/2}$ states from variational theory

A measured lifetime of exceptional accuracy has been reported for the $2p {}^2{P}_{3/2}$ state of $\mathrm{Ar}^{13+}$ that is in good agreement with theory, neglecting the effect of the anomalous magnetic moment. When perturbation theory is used to estimate the effect of the latter, the discrepancy increases. In this paper, results from a fully relativistic variational calculation are presented. By using the Gordon transformation, an expression is derived for the transition matrix element. Lifetimes without and with the effect of the anomalous magnetic moment are reported, both in excellent agreement with perturbation theory.

Figure 1

Line strength $\left(S\right)$ dependence on $Z$ for $2s^{2}2p{}^2{P}_{3/2}^o\text{−}2s^{2}2p{}^2{P}_{1/2}^o M1$ transitions for boronlike ions.