New and improved experimental oscillator strengths in Zr II and the solar abundance of zirconium

Abstract

Using the Fourier Transform Spectrometer at Lund Observatory, intensity calibrated spectra of singly ionized zirconium have been recorded and analyzed. Oscillator strengths for 263 Zr II spectral lines in the region 2500-5400 A have been derived by combining new experimental branching fractions with previously measured radiative lifetimes. The transitions combine 34 odd parity levels with 29 low metastable levels between 0 and 2.4 eV. The experimental branching fractions have been compared with theoretical values and the oscillator strengths with previously published data when available. The oscillator strengths have been employed to derive the solar photospheric Zr abundance based on both ID and 3D model atmospheres. Based on the seven best and least perturbed Zr II lines in the solar disk-center spectrum, we determine the solar Zr abundance to log εZr = 2.58 ±0.02 when using a 3D hydrodynamical solar model atmosphere. The new value is in excellent agreement with the meteoritic Zr abundance. © ESO 2006.