Level crossing method compared with recent achievements in high-resolution laser spectroscopy

The level crossing method is illustrated by the determination of the Stark constant of the 6²P_3/2 term of rubidium, lifetimes and depolarizing-collision cross sections of the 5³D₃ and 4³F_2,3,4 levels of cadmium, lifetimes of some high neon levels, and the hyperfine structure of the D lines of sodium. The results obtained by the level crossing method are compared with those deduced by laser spectroscopy (two-photon excitation, saturated absorption, laser excitation of an atomic beam).