Relative and absolute dipole oscillator strengths in the 5s(21)S(1)->5snp(1)P(1) Rydberg series of Cd I

Relative dipole oscillator strengths for the transitions 5s(2) S-1(0) --> 5snp P-1(1) (8 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 13) in cadmium have been measured using magneto-optical rotation spectroscopy in the VUV. The uncertainty in the relative oscillator strengths is estimated to be 3%. Absolute oscillator strengths were determined on the basis of the known oscillator strength of the 5s --> lip transition. Our experimental results agree with quantum defect orbital calculations which we have carried out for transitions in the principal series in cadmium up to 5s --> 32p. A revised value of 4 +/- 2 Mb for the total photoionization cross section, at the ionization threshold is proposed.