Atomic transition probabilities of Ce I from Fourier transform spectra*

We report transition probabilities for 2874 lines of CeI in the wavelength range 360 -- 1500 nm. These are derived from new branching fraction measurements on Fourier transform spectra normalized with recently-reported radiative lifetimes (Den Hartog et al., J. Phys. B 42, 085006 (2009)). We have analyzed the decay branches for 153 upper levels in 14 different spectra recorded under a variety of discharge lamp conditions. Comparison of results with previous less extensive investigations shows good agreement for lines studied in common. Accurate Ce I transition probabilities are needed for applications in astrophysics and in lighting research, particularly for the development of improved metal halide high-intensity discharge lamps.