Hyperfine structure investigations of atomic niobium with optogalvanic and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the near-infrared wavelength range

Aims. The aim of this work is to increase the amount of hyperfine structure data of atomic niobium (Nb I), which is needed for astrophysicists for the detailed analysis of new stellar spectra. Particular emphasis was placed on the investigation of energy levels with unknown hyperfine structure constants. Methods. The hyperfine structure in the spectrum of Nb I was studied using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and laser optogalvanic spectroscopy with a tuneable single-mode cw Ti: Sa laser in the wavelength range from 750 nm to 865 nm. The Nb atoms were produced and excited in a liquid-nitrogen-cooled hollow-cathode plasma. Results. We measured and analysed 81 spectral lines, 19 of which are not previously known from the literature. In total, the magnetic dipole hyperfine structure constants A were determined for 28 energy levels of even and 53 energy levels of odd parity. The electric quadrupole hyperfine structure constants B were only determined in a few cases, when the spectra were clearly resolved and/or when a level was found from several transitions. The magnetic dipole hyperfine structure constants A of 13 even and 11 odd levels as well as the electric quadrupole hyperfine structure constants B of 13 even and 17 odd levels are presented for the first time. For the other levels, improved values of hyperfine structure constants are given. Conclusions. The hyperfine structure can have a significant effect on stellar absorption line profiles, and the corresponding abundances can be substantially overestimated if these effects are not taken into account. Therefore, a detailed consideration of the hyperfine structure is important for stellar abundance determinations. The present work substantially increases the knowledge of hyperfine structure of Nb, which plays an important role in investigating the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements.