Transition probability measurement in an Ar II plasma

This work reports a collection of 200 Ar II transition probabilities of lines in the spectral region 360-750 nm for 16 lifetime values, all of them measured in an emission experiment. Relative intensity measurements have been made on a pulsed discharge lamp and the absolute A(ki) values have been obtained by using data taken from the literature. The electron density, which ranges from 0.2 to 1.0 x 10(23) m(-3) in the plasma, has been determined simultaneously by interferometry and from H-alpha-Stark broadening. The Ar II excitation temperature (15000-27000 K) has been calculated by a new method which also provides transition probabilities and plasma composition. The high number of measurements has allowed us to properly discuss the plasma equilibrium model. Comparisons have been made with the most recent experimental and theoretical data collections.