The elastic contribution to the linewidths

The elastic contribution to the linewidths was calculated with the use of Quantum Defect Theory. The method is based on the connection at the ionization threshold between the quantum defects Δl, associated with the bound states, with the scattering phase shifts μl, associated with the short range potential due to the atomic core. Agreement with measurements of the line 5419 A of XeII at low electron temperatures is very good and reproduces the experimental trend w∝T-1, whereas the semiempirical calculations predict w∝T-1/2. copyright 1996 American Institute of Physics