Fine structure of helium and light helium-like ions

Calculational results are presented for the fine structure splitting of the 2(3)P state of helium and helium-like ions with nuclear charge Z up to 10. Theoretical predictions are in agreement with the latest experimental results for the helium fine structure intervals as well as with the most of the experimental data available for light helium-like ions. Comparing the theoretical value of the 2(3)P(0)-2(3)P(1) interval in helium with experimental results (Zelevinsky et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 203001 (2005)), we determine the value of the fine structure constant a with an accuracy of 31 ppb.