Calculations of atomic processes in Fe XVII

Abstract

A synoptic study has been made of the neon-like ion Fe XVII in order to improve knowledge of its line production in high-temperature, low-density plasmas. The following were computed: (1) distorted wave, electron collision strengths from the ground level to all 88 levels with one n = 3 - or n = 4 electron; (2) a complete cascade matrix; (3) the contribution of resonances to the n = 3 level population rates; and (4) the resulting X-ray and EUV line emission coefficients as functions of temperature between T = 10 to the 5.6 and T = 10 to the 8.4 K. Results are presented for typical population rates, line emission coefficients fitted with a useful formula for spectrum calculations, and the dielectronic recombination rate.