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Uncertainties in Atomic Data for Modeling Astrophysical Charge Exchange Plasmas
Liyi Gu1,2, Chintan Shah3,4,5, Ruitian Zhang6,7
1SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, Niels Bohrweg 4, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Uncertainties in theoretical atomic data impact plasma diagnostics and astrophysical studies. New calculations reveal significant systematic uncertainties (35-88%) in ion-impact charge exchange data, necessitating improved atomic databases and experiments.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Accurate theoretical atomic data is crucial for plasma diagnostics, particularly in astrophysical research.
- Existing theoretical models for ion-impact charge exchange and X-ray spectra have associated uncertainties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate and quantify the uncertainties in theoretical ion-impact charge exchange atomic data and X-ray spectra.
- To compare theoretical calculations with experimental laboratory data.
Main Methods:
- Calculated uncertainties on theoretical ion-impact charge exchange atomic data and X-ray spectra.
- Compared theoretical results with experimental data from merged-beam, cold-target recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy, and electron beam ion trap experiments.
Main Results:
- Average systematic uncertainties of 35-88% were found for total cross sections.
- Average systematic uncertainties of 57-75% were found for characteristic line ratios.
- Model deviation increased with decreasing collision energy, impacting ionization balance calculations for low-temperature plasmas.
Conclusions:
- Significant uncertainties exist in current theoretical atomic data for ion-impact charge exchange.
- Improvements in atomic databases and dedicated laboratory measurements are required for future X-ray spectroscopic missions.
- Current models need enhancement to accurately interpret X-ray spectra from advanced missions.
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