The radiative widths of two ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ levels were determined using photon scattering and self-absorption measurements. The results were ${\Gamma }_0$(6.917)=0.094±0.004 eV and ${\Gamma }_0$(7.117)=0.054±0.004 eV. The effective temperature $T_e$ of the O atom in a water target is calculated by accounting for the effect of the zero-point molecular vibrations of the atom. The influence of this new value of $T_e$ on the Doppler broadening of the nuclear level and hence on the resulting value of ${\Gamma }_0$ as deduced from a self-absorption measurement is discussed.

• Received 22 October 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.31.2314