Radiative lifetimes of Rydberg 6pnd J=2 states of Pb I by multichannel quantum defect theory

Energy levels of the odd-parity 6pnd J=2 Rydberg states of Pb I are analysed by the multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) in the frame of a five-channel three-limit calculation model. With optimal MQDT parameters, channel admixture coefficients are obtained and used to calculate the theoretical lifetimes of the levels by comparing to the previously measured lifetimes. The predicted lifetimes for higher-lying Rydberg states are given and discussed. These predicted lifetimes are very different from those obtained by the four-channel two-limit model previously used, which means that introduction of the additional interacting channel is important for studying the 6pnd J=2 Rydberg states of Pb I.