M-shell Photoionization of Lanthanum Ions
Analysis
This paper presents experimental measurements and theoretical calculations of the photoionization of singly charged lanthanum ions (La+) using synchrotron radiation. The research focuses on double and up to tenfold photoionization in the M-shell energy range, providing benchmark data for quantum theoretical methods. The study is relevant for modeling non-equilibrium plasmas, such as those found in kilonovae. The authors upgraded the Jena Atomic Calculator (JAC) and performed large-scale calculations, comparing their results with experimental data. While the theoretical results largely agree with the experimental findings, discrepancies in product-ion charge state distributions highlight the challenges in accurately modeling complex atomic processes.
Key Takeaways
- •Measured cross sections for double to tenfold photoionization of La+ ions.
- •Provides benchmark data for quantum theoretical methods.
- •Relevant for modeling non-equilibrium plasmas like kilonovae.
- •Upgraded Jena Atomic Calculator (JAC) and performed large-scale calculations.
- •Theoretical results largely agree with experimental findings, but discrepancies exist in product-ion charge state distributions.
“The experimental cross sections represent experimental benchmark data for the further development of quantum theoretical methods, which will have to provide the bulk of the atomic data required for the modeling of nonequilibrium plasmas such as kilonovae.”