Absorbing Markov chain transition probability matrix for a n-level (a) and five-level atom (b). Panel (a) illustrates the absorbing Markov chain transition probability matrix in canonical form for n-level atom. The submatrices I and 0 represent the identity and zero matrix, respectively related to the absorbing level. Submatrix R contains the transition probabilities from the transient level into the absorbing level. The submatrix Q contains the transition probabilities between transient level. n indicates the number of atomic level whereas t indicates the number of transient level. Panel (b) illustrates an absorbing Markov chain transition probability matrix for a five-level atom with indicated transition probabilities p_ij.