Stark width measurements of Fe II lines with wavelengths in the range 260-300 nm

The Stark widths of 21 Fe II lines with wavelengths in the range 260-300 nm have been measured using laser-induced plasmas as spectroscopic sources. A set of Fe-Cu samples has been employed to generate the plasmas. To reduce self-absorption, each line has been measured using a different sample, with an iron concentration determined by means of the curve-of-growth methodology. The remaining error due to self-absorption has been estimated to be lower than 10%. Different instants of the plasma evolution, from 0.84 to 2.5 mu s, are included in the measurements. The electron density, in the range (1.6-7.3) x 10(17) cm(-3), is determined by the Stark broadening of the H a line. Within this range, the Stark widths are found to be proportional to the electron density. The Boltzmann plot method is used to obtain the plasma temperature, which is in the range 12 900-15 200 K. The Stark widths obtained have been compared with available experimental and theoretical data.