Lifetimes of the 2${\mathit{p}}^5$3s ${}_{}{}^1{}_{}{}^{}$${\mathit{P}}_1$ and ${}_{}{}^3{}_{}{}^{}$${\mathit{P}}_1$ levels in Svii and Clviii have been measured using the beam-foil technique. The results are 17.4±0.5 (13±1) and 52±2 (27±1) ps for Svii (Clviii). Many theoretical results, obtained by a variety of methods, are available for these lifetimes. A summary of the theoretical lifetimes reveals a significant scatter of the results, and none of the calculations agrees with all the present experimental data.

• Received 3 September 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.45.6198