REGULARITIES IN EXPERIMENTAL STARK SHIFTS

We have examined regularities in plasma-produced line shifts (Stark shifts) by a comprehensive analysis of literature data. Since the shifts are the result of atomic collision processes, regularities are expected from general atomic structure considerations. Specifically, systematic behavior should occur for spectral series and for corresponding transitions in homologous atoms and isoelectronic ions. Also, Stark shifts should be similar for lines within multiplets and, to a lesser degree, within supermultiplets and transition arrays. Numerous examples show conclusively that the measured data exhibit these predicted regularities. When pronounced irregularities occur, they are readily explainable in terms of special circumstances in the atomic structure.