Lifetime measurement of the 3d ^{9 2} D _3/2 metastable level in Mo¹⁵⁺ at an electron beam ion trap

An experimental measurement of the lifetime of 3d 9 2 D 3/2 metastable level in Mo 15+ is reported in this work. The Mo 15+ ions are produced and trapped in an electron beam ion trap with a magnetic field of 0.65 T. The decay photons emitted from 3d 9 2 D 3/2 level are subsequently recorded via a cooled photomultiplier tube. Through meticulous scrutiny of potential systematic uncertainties affecting the measurement outcomes, we have determined the lifetime of Mo 15+ 3d 9 2 D 3/2 metastable level to be 2.83(22) ms. The experimental result provides a clear distinguishment from existing calculations based on various theoretical approaches.