Channel interaction of the three6pndJ=3autoionizing series in barium

The energies and widths of a 6$p_{3/2}$nd J=3 autoionizing series are reported for n=8–17. Above the 6$p_{1/2}$ ion limit the series is found to have approximately constant values for the quantum defect (μ≊2.85) and for the scaled widths (${\Gamma }_n$ $n^{\mathrm{*}3}$≊0.07 a.u.). Comparisons are made with the previously reported energies and widths of the other two J=3 6pnd autoionizing series [F. Gounand et al., Phys. Rev. A 27, 1925 (1983)]. The interaction of all three series is analyzed using a six-channel multichannel-quantum-defect-theory model which successfully accounts for energies, widths, and complex excitation spectra for the three series. Conclusions concerning state wave functions are drawn from the data and implications regarding the strengths of different electron interactions are discussed. Additionally, information is obtained concerning the interaction of the bound perturber 5d7d ${\mathrm{}}^3$ $F_2$ with the 6s14d ${\mathrm{}}^1$,3${\mathrm{D}}_2$ states.