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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Low-energy Cathodoluminescence for OxyNitride Phosphors
Published on: November 15, 2016
The Iron-Neon Hollow-Cathode Spectrum.
1The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Md. 21218.
This study details over 4000 spectral lines for iron (Fe) and neon (Ne) atoms and ions, measured using a hollow cathode discharge tube. New energy levels for Fe I were computed, aiding in the calculation of Ritz standards for spectral lines.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Spectroscopy
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Accurate spectral line data is crucial for astrophysical and laboratory plasma diagnostics.
- Previous spectral line catalogs for iron (Fe) and neon (Ne) may have limitations in coverage or precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively catalog spectral lines of neutral and ionized iron (Fe I, Fe II) and neon (Ne I, Ne II).
- To compute energy levels for neutral iron (Fe I) and establish Ritz standards for its spectral lines.
- To provide photo-electric traces for semiquantitative intensity analysis.
Main Methods:
- Measurements were conducted using a hollow cathode discharge tube with iron electrodes and neon gas.
- Spectral lines were recorded across a wide wavelength range (1900–9000 Å).
- Photo-electric traces were obtained between 2400–5700 Å.
Main Results:
- Over 4000 spectral lines for Fe I, Fe II, Ne I, and Ne II were identified and cataloged.
- Energy values for 124 even and 240 odd levels of Fe I were computed.
- Ritz standards were calculated for a significant portion of Fe I lines.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a valuable, extended spectral line catalog for iron and neon.
- The computed energy levels and Ritz standards enhance the accuracy of Fe I spectral analysis.
- This data serves as a fundamental resource for atomic spectroscopy and related fields.

