What Does 1D Mean in the Term Symbol 2p2 1D for Helium?

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SUMMARY

The term symbol 2p2 1D for Helium indicates that the atom is in a doubly excited state with two electrons in the 2p orbital. The "1" in 1D signifies a single electron configuration, while "D" refers to the total orbital angular momentum quantum number, which is 2. This discussion clarifies the meaning of the term symbol and explores potential decay pathways for Helium in this state, specifically focusing on the decay time of pico seconds.

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The Atom of Helium is doubly excited in 2p2 1D

Can someone explain to me how these energy symbols work? I have a problem with what the 1D means specifically. I know 2p2 means two electrons in the 2p state. The 1 in 1D could be referring to electron being in a singleton, but I don't understand what the D means exactly, and what does it have to do with the 2p2.

The full question is, if the Helium is in this state above and it's decay time is in pico seconds, which one of the below will we get;

(a) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H+ (2s) + eA
(b) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H* (1s5p) + γ
(c) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H+ (1s) + eA + γ
(d) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H(1s2 1S) + γ1 + γ 2
 
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