Aims. The interpretation of astrophysical spectra depends directly on a knowledge of the ionization state of the emitting plasma. This is determined, in part, from collisional ionization rate coefficients. The most recent assessments of these were performed by Arnaud & Rothenflug (1985, A&AS, 60, 425) and Arnaud & Raymond (1992, ApJ, 398, 394). Since their work, new laboratory measurements of ionization cross sections have become available as well as the Flexible Atomic Code (FAC) which enables theoretical calculations of these rates. Our goal is to provide a complete set of ionization rate coefficients for the elements hydrogen through zinc. Methods. A scaling law, which assists the analysis of ionization cross sections and rate coefficients, has been developed following the approach of Burgess & Tully (1992, A&A, 254, 436). Essentially all available measured cross sections along each isoelectronic sequence have been examined and compared to cross sections calculated with the Flexible Atomic Code (FAC) and with other calculations. Two approaches has been taken to provide a complete set of ionization cross sections. In the first, fits to scaled measured ionization cross sections, particularly for neutral and singly ionized species, are performed. In the second, fits to scaled calculated direct ionization and excitation-autoionization cross sections are performed to provide the remainder of the set. The fits to the cross sections are then integrated over a Maxwellian velocity distribution to derive ionization rate coefficients. Results. A complete set of ground level ionization cross sections and rate coefficients has been developed through the combination of these two approaches. A tabulation of parameter fits to ground level ionization rate coefficients for all atoms and ions of the elements of H through Zn is provided.

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Ionization rate coefficients for the elements hydrogen through zinc

▪ Abstract Targeted laboratory astrophysics measurements are being conducted to address the needs of X-ray astronomy. The measurements are producing large sets of reliable atomic data, which include ionization and recombination cross sections for charge balance calculations, as well as line lists, excitation cross sections, and dielectronic recombination rates for interpreting X-ray line formation. Additional experiments focus on resolving specific puzzles posed by astrophysical observations, as well as on calibrating existing and developing new X-ray line diagnostics. We discuss the types of data produced and illustrate how the laboratory measurements support such missions as ASCA, EUVE, Chandra, XMM, and ASTRO-E2.

Laboratory X-Ray Astrophysics

Electron–ion collisions are among the most important atomic processes in ionized gases. They comprise elastic scattering, excitation, ionization, and recombination. Theoretical approaches are numerous but calculating reliable results for applications is a task that has not generally been solved, although theory has progressed considerably in the last decade and can now provide reference data for electron collisions with few-electron systems. Experimental data on electron–ion collisions can be inferred from plasma observations, from ion trap measurements, from careful preparation and analysis of ion–atom collisions, and from colliding-beams experiments. The spectrum of equipment employed in the measurements ranges from table top size to large accelerator and storage-ring facilities. This article provides an overview of the processes involved in electron–ion collisions, their cross sections, the experimental approaches and typical results. The present status of the field is discussed and characterized by numerous examples illuminating the accomplishments as well as the limitations of experimental access to accurate detailed cross sections and rate coefficients, as they are required for understanding and modelling laboratory or astrophysical plasmas.

Electron–ion collisions: Fundamental processes in the focus of applied research

The available atomic data used for interpreting and modeling x-ray observations are reviewed The applications for these data can be divided into several levels of detail, ranging from compilations which can be used with direct inspection of raw data, such as line finding lists, to synthetic spectra which attempt to fit to an entire observed dataset simultaneously This review covers cosmic sources driven by both electron ionization and photoionization and touches briefly on planetary surfaces and atmospheres The applications to x-ray astronomy, the available data, and recommendations for astronomical users are all reviewed, and an attempt to point out the applications where the shortcomings are greatest is also given

http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Sept06/Kallman/paper.pdf

Atomic data for x-ray astrophysics

Collisional processes and details of atomic structure of heavy many-electron atoms and ions are not yet understood in a fully satisfying manner. Experimental studies are required for guiding new theoretical approaches. In response to fusion-related needs for collisional and spectroscopic data on tungsten atoms in all charge states, a project has been initiated in which electron-impact and photon-induced ionization as well as photorecombination of Wq+ ions are studied. Cross sections and rate coefficients were determined for charge states q ranging from q = 1 to q = 5 for photoionization, for q = 1 up to q = 19 for electron-impact ionization and for q = 18 to q = 21 for electron-ion recombination. An overview, together with a critical assessment of the methods and results is provided.

Fusion-Related Ionization and Recombination Data for Tungsten Ions in Low to Moderately High Charge States

We report on a detailed experimental and theoretical study of electron-impact ionization of ${\mathrm{O}}^{5+}$ ions. A high-resolution scan measurement of the K-shell excitation threshold region has been performed with statistical uncertainties as low as 0.03%. At this level of precision a wealth of features in the cross section arising from indirect ionization processes becomes visible, and even interference of direct ionization with resonant-excitation/auto-double-ionization (READI) is clearly observed. The experimental results are compared with R-matrix calculations that include both direct and indirect processes in a unified way. Radiative damping of autoionizing Li-like states is found to be about 10\char21{}15 %. The calculations almost perfectly reproduce most of the experimental resonance features found in the present measurement including READI. They also agree with the direct-ionization converged close-coupling results of I. Bray [J. Phys. B 28, L247 (1995)] and the absolute total ionization cross section measurement of K. Rinn et al. [Phys. Rev. A 36, 595 (1987)].

H. Teng

Papers

Autoionizing resonances in electron-impact ionization of O 5 + ions

Resonant indirect processes in electron-impact single ionization of Ne 7+ ions