atomic spectral lines

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00502
Atomic and @I03179@ originate from specified electronic transitions between energy levels of atoms and ions, respectively. In the past it has been common usage to denote atomic lines as arc lines and ionic lines as spark lines. This usage is now considered to be incorrect. The correct way to indicate that lines are due to atomic or ionic transitions is: Element symbol I @W06659@, e.g., Cu I \(324.7\ \text{nm}\); and Element symbol II @W06659@, e.g., Cu II \(213.6\ \text{nm}\). Similarly for higher states of @I03183@, the type of line is represented by III, IV, etc.
See also:
ionic spectral lines
Source:
Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 118 [Terms] [Book]