arXiv subjects

Sultana N. Nahar

Publications and source records attributed to Sultana N. Nahar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Emissivity line ratios for [Mn III] and spectral diagnostics of H II regions

We present the first theoretical emission-line study of Mn III as potential determinant of physical conditions and manganese abundance. We compute atomic data for a set of Mn III lines and line emissivity ratios as temperature-density diagnostics. Accurate relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculations have been carried out for electron impact excitation of Mn III transitions that have not been previously studied. Selected forbidden lines are shown to be sensitive to temperature and density under nebular conditions in H II regions such as SNRs. The coupled channel R-matrix calculations include a wavefunction expansion that includes 38 levels of Mn III dominated by the ground and first excited electronic configurations $3d^5$ and $3d^44s$. Collision strengths for all 703 forbidden transitions among those levels, and Maxwellian averaged rate coefficients are obtained. A collisional-radiative model yields emissivity line ratios using calculated collision strengths and radiative decay A-values. Based on the present analysis, certain [Mn III] lines are predicted to be sensitive to density and/or in the typical nebular range. The detection of those lines could also yield cosmic Mn abundance relative to other elements.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

The Opacity Project: R-Matrix Calculations for Opacities of High-Energy-Density Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas

Accurate determination of opacity is critical for understanding radiation transport in both astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. We employ atomic data from R-Matrix calculations to investigate radiative properties in high-energy-density (HED) plasma sources. Specifically, we analyze environments such as the base of the convective zone (BCZ) of the Sun 2 x 10^6$ K, N_e = 10^{23}/cc and the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) device at the Sandia Z facility 2.11 x 10^6 K, N_e = 3.16 x 10^{22}/cc. We calculate Rosseland Mean Opacities (RMO) within a range of temperatures and densities and analyze how they vary under different plasma conditions. In this study, we specifically focus on electron collisional and Stark ion microfield broadening effects on autoionizing resonances in photoabsorption cross sections. Our results are relevant to astrophysical models, particularly in the context of the solar opacity problem, and provide insights into discrepancies between theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. In addition, we investigate the equation-of-state (EOS) and its impact on opacities. In addition, we examine the equation-of-state (EOS) and its impact on opacities of the "chemical picture" Mihalas-Hummer-Dappen EOS with respect to level populations of excited levels included in the R-matrix calculations. This study should contribute to improving opacity models of HED sources such as stellar interiors adn laboratory fusion plasma experiments.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Spectra of phosphorus ions for astrophysical modeling: P I - P XV

Phosphorus (P), a basic element of life, has been a least studied element due to its poor presence in astrophysical spectra. However, search for the P lines has increased considerably with discoveries of exoplanets and are being detected by high resolution and sophisticated astronomical observatories, e.g. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST may provide a clue for life with detection of P in its infrared (IR) region. Identification of the element and analysis of the observed spectra will require high accuracy data for atomic processes that produces lines and their predicted features. The present study focuses on these needs and reports systematically regions of wavelengths, from x-ray to IR, that show prominent lines by the 15 individual ionization stages of phosphorus, P I - P XV for the first time. We present large amount of relevant atomic data for energies, transition parameters, and lifetimes obtained in relativistic Breit-Pauli approximation using the R-matrix method and atomic structure program SUPERSTRUCTURE. Our spectral features for the fifteen ions, P I - P XV, predict strengths of lines in various wavelength regions. They show dominance of P~I and P~II in the infrared region and other ions in the ultraviolet and optical regions often stretching to IR in the continuum. For determination of accuracy, we have made extensive comparisons of our atomic data with available experimental and theoretical values. Based on these, our results and features are expected to provide precise plasma diagnostics and astrophysical modeling.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Biosignature Line Ratios of [P II] in Exoplanetary and Nebular Environments

Being the backbone element of DNA, phosphorus is a key component in the search for life in the Universe. To aid in its detection, we present line emissivity ratios for the five lowest-lying forbidden [P~II] transitions, namely those among the levels $3s^23p^2(^3P_0,^3P_1, ^3P_2,^1D_2,^1S_0)$. The wavelengths range between 0.44-70 \mum, and several lie within the spectroscopic domain observable with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These line ratios have been calculated using a new collisional-radiative-recombination (CRR) model combining calculated collision strengths and level-specific recombination rate coefficients; with both datasets computed using the accurate Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method. The CRR model includes a new scheme for \eion recombination to emission line formation. We compare its effect to models incorporating only electron impact excitation and spontaneous radiative decay. We find that electron-ion recombination has a significant impact on all line ratios, and represents a major improvement in physical accuracy of emission line models.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2018

A collection of model stellar spectra for spectral types B to early-M

Models of stellar spectra are necessary for interpreting light from individual stars, planets, integrated stellar populations, nebulae, and the interstellar medium. We provide a comprehensive and homogeneous collection of synthetic spectra for a wide range of atmospheric parameters and chemical compositions. We compile atomic and molecular data from the literature. We adopt the largest and most recent set of ATLAS9 model atmospheres, and use the radiative code ASS$ε$T.The resulting collection of spectra is made publicly available at medium and high-resolution ($R\equivλ/δλ$ = 10,000, 100,000 and 300,000 spectral grids, which include variations in effective temperature between 3500 K and 30,000 K, surface gravity ($0\le \log g \le 5$), and metallicity ($-5 \le$[Fe/H]$\le +0. 5$), spanning the wavelength interval 120-6500 nm. A second set of denser grids with additional dimensions, [$α$/Fe] and micro-turbulence, are also provided (covering 200-2500 nm). We compare models with observations for a few representative cases.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

Collision strengths for FIR and UV transtions in PIII and the phosphorus abundance

Phosphorus abundance is crucial for DNA-based extraterrestrial life in exoplanets. Atomic data for observed spectral lines of P-ions are needed for its accurate determination. We present the first calculations for collision strengths for the forbidden PIII fine structure transition $3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2-3/2})$ within the ground state at 17.9 $μ$m, as well as allowed UV transitions in the $3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}) \rightarrow 3s3p^2 (^2D_{3/2,5/2}, ^2S_{1/2}, ^2P_{1/2,3/2})$ multiplets between 915-1345 $Å$. Collision strengths are computed using the Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method including the first 18 levels, and they exhibit extensive auto-ionizing resonance structures. In particular, the Maxwellian averaged effective collision strength for the FIR 17.9 $μ$m transition shows a factor 3 temperature variation broadly peaking at typical nebular temperatures. Its theoretical emissivity with solar phosphorus abundance is computed relative to H$β$ and found to be similar to observed intensties from planetary nebulae; the abundances derived in earlier works are 3-5 times sub-solar. The results pertain to the reported paucity of phosphorus from preferred production sites in supernovae, and abundances in planetary nebulae and supernova remnants.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

The IRON Project: Photoionization of Fe ions

The IRON Project, initiated in 1991, aims at two main objectives, i) study the characteristics of and calculate large-scale high accuracy data for atomic radiative and collisional processes, and ii) application in solving astrophysical problems. It focuses on the complex iron and iron-peak elements commonly observed in the spectra of astrophysical plasmas. The present report will illustrate the characteristics of the dominant atomic process of photoionization that have been established under the project and the preceding the Opacity Project and their importance in applications.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Converged Close-Coupling R-Matrix calculations of Photoionization of Fe XVII in Astrophysical Plasmas: from Convergence to Completeness

Extensive resonance structures are manifest in R-Matrix (RM) calculations. However, there exist a large number of highly excited electronic configurations that may contribute to background non-resonant bound-free opacity in high-temperature plasmas. Since RM calculations are very complex, and not essential for background contributions, the Relativistic Distorted Wave (RDW) method is utilized to complement ("top-up") photoionization cross sections of Fe XVII obtained using Close-Coupling Breit-Pauli R-Matrix (CC-BPRM) method. There is good agreement between RDW and BPRM for background cross sections where resonances are not present, and individual fine structure levels can be correctly matched spectroscopically, though resonances are neglected in the RDW. To ensure completeness, a high energy range up to 500 Ry above the ionization threshold for each level is considered. Interestingly, the hydrogenic Kramer's approximation also shows the same energy behavior as the RDW. Grouping separately, the BPRM configurations consist of 454 bound levels with resonances corresponding to configurations $1s^22s^22p^4nln'l'$ (n $\leq$ 3, n' $\leq$ 10); including RDW configurations there are 51,558 levels in total. The topup contribution results in $\sim$20\% increment, in addition to the 35\% enhancement from BPRM calculations over the Opacity Project value for the Rosseland Mean Opacity at the Z-temperature of 2.11 $\times 10^6$K (Pradhan and Nahar 2017).

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

Recalculation of Astrophysical Opacities: Overview, Methodology and Atomic Calculations

A review of a renewed effort to recalculate astrophysical opacities using the R-Matrix method is presented. The computational methods and new extensions are described. Resulting enhancements found in test calculations under stellar interior conditions compared to the Opacity Project could potentially lead to the resolution of the solar abundances problem, as well as discrepancies between recent experimental measurements at the Sandia Z-pinch inertial confinement fusion device and theoretical opacity models. Outstanding issues also discussed are: (i) accuracy, convergence, and completeness of atomic calculations, (ii) improvements in the Equation-of-State of high-temperature-density plasmas, and (iii) redistribution of resonant oscillator strength in the bound-free continuum, and (iv) plasma broadening of auotionizing resonances.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Large enhancement in high-energy photoionization of Fe XVII and missing continuum plasma opacity

Aimed at solving the outstanding problem of solar opacity, and radiation transport plasma models in general, we report substantial photoabsorption in the high-energy regime due to atomic core photo-excitations not heretofore considered. In extensive R-Matrix calculations of unprecedented complexity for an important iron ion Fe xvii (Fe$^{16+}$), with a wave function expansion of 99 Fe xviii (Fe$^{17+}$) LS core states from $n \leq 4$ complexes (equivalent to 218 fine structure levels), we find: i) up to orders of magnitude enhancement in background photoionization cross sections, in addition to strongly peaked photo-excitation-of-core resonances not considered in current opacity models, and ii) demonstrate convergence with respect to successive core excitations. The resulting increase in the monochromatic continuum, and 35% in the Rosseland Mean Opacity, are compared with the "higher-than-predicted" iron opacity measured at the Sandia Z-pinch fusion device at solar interior conditions.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Fine structure collision strengths and line ratios for [Ne V] in infrared and optical sources

Improved collisions strengths for the mid-infrared and optical transitions in Ne V are presented. Breit-Pauli R-Matrix calculations for electron impact excitation are carried out with fully resolved near-threshold resonances at very low energies. In particular, the fine structure lines at 14 micron and 24 micron due to transitions among the ground state levels 1s^22s^22p^3 (^3P_{0,1,2}), and the optical/near-UV lines at 2973, 3346 and 3426 Angstrom transitions among the ^3P_{0,1,2}, ^1D_2, ^1S_0 levels are described. Maxwellian averaged collision strengths are tabulated for all forbidden transistion within the ground configuration. Significant differences are found in the low temperature range Te < 10000 K for both the FIR and the opitcal transitions compared to previous results. An analysis of the 14/24 line ratio in low-energy-density (LED) plasma conditions reveals considerable variation; the effective rate coefficient may be dominated by the very low-energy behaviour rather than the maxwellian averaged collision strengths. Computed values suggest a possible solution to the anomalous mid-IR ratios found to be lower than theoretical limits observed from planetary nebulae and Seyfert galaxies. While such LED conditions may be present in infrared sources, they might be inconsistent with photoionization equilibrium models.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

Pumping K-Alpha Resonance Fluorescence by Monochromatic X-Ray Sources

We demonstrate the correspondence between theoretically calculated K-shell resonances lying below the K-edge in multiple ionization states of an element (Pradhan et al. 2009), and recently observed K-alpha resonances in high-intensity X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) plasmas (Vinko et al. 2012). Resonant absorptions in aluminum ions are computed and found to reproduce experimentally observed features. Results are also presented for titanium for possible observation of K-alpha resonances in the 4.5-5.0 keV energy range. A possibly sustainable excitation mechanism for K-alpha resonance fluorescence might be implemented using two monochromatic X-ray beams tuned to the K-edge and the K-alpha resonant energies simultaneously. This targeted ionization/excitation would create inner-shell vacancies via Auger decay, as well as pump K-alpha resonances. The required X-ray fluence to achieve resonance fluorescence would evidently be much less than in the XFEL experiments, and might enable novel biomedical applications.

physics.atm-clus↗

arXiv2012

Improved collision strengths and line ratios for forbidden [O III] far-infrared and optical lines

Far-infrared and optical [O III] lines are useful temeprature-density diagnostics of nebular as well as dust obscured astrophysical sources. Fine structure transitions among the ground state levels 1s^22s^22p^3 \ ^3P_{0,1,2} give rise to the 52 and 88 micron lines, whereas transitions among the $^3P_{0,1,2}, ,^1D_2, ^1S_0$ levels yield the well-known optical lines 4363, 4959 and 5007 Angstroms. These lines are excited primarily by electron impact excitation. But despite their importance in nebular diagnostics collision strengths for the associated fine structure transitions have not been computed taking full account of relativistic effects. We present Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculations for the collision strengths with highly resolved resonance structures. We find significant differences of up to 20% in the Maxwellian averaged rate coefficients from previous works. We also tabulate these to lower temperatures down to 100 K to enable determination of physical conditions in cold dusty environments such photo-dissociation regions and ultra-luminous infrared galaxies observed with the Herschel space observatory. We also examine the effect of improved collision strengths on temperature and density sensitive line ratios.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2011

Highly Excited Core Resonances in Photoionization of Fe XVII : Implications for Plasma Opacities

A comprehensive study of high-accuracy photoionization cross sections is carried out using the relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method for (hnu + Fe XVII --> Fe XVIII + e). Owing to its importance in high-temperature plasmas the calculations cover a large energy range, particularly the myriad photoexciation-of-core (PEC) resonances including the n = 3 levels not heretofore considered. The calculations employ a close coupling wave function expansion of 60 levels of the core ion Fe XVIII ranging over a wide energy range of nearly 900 eV between the n = 2 and n = 3 levels. Strong coupling effects due to dipole transition arrays 2p^5 --> 2p^4 (3s,3d) manifest themselves as large PEC resonances throughout this range, and enhance the effective photoionization cross sections orders of magnitude above the background. Comparisons with the erstwhile Opacity Project (OP) and other previous calculations shows that the currently available cross sections considerably underestimate the bound-free cross sections. A level-identification scheme is used for spectroscopic designation of the 454 bound fine structure levels of Fe XVII. Level-specific photoionization cross sections are computed for all levels. In addition, partial cross sections for leaving the core ion Fe XVII in the ground state are also obtained. These results should be relevant to modeling of astrophysical and laboratory plasma sources requiring (i) photoionization rates, (ii) extensive non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium models, (iii) total unified electron-ion recombination rates including radiative and dielectronic recombination, and (iv) plasma opacities. We particularly examine PEC and non-PEC resonance strengths and emphasize their expanded role to incorporate inner-shell excitations for improved opacities, as shown by the computed monochromatic opacity of Fe XVII.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2005

[O II] line ratios

Based on new calculations we reconfirm the low and high density limits on the forbidden fine structure line ratio [O II] I(3729)/I(3726): lim_{N_ e} --> 0} = 1.5 and lim_{N_ e} --> \infty} = 0.35. Employing [O II] collision strengths calculated using the Breit-Pauli R-matrix method we rule out any significant deviation due to relativistic effects from these canonical values. The present results are in substantial agreement with older calculations by Pradhan (1976) and validate the extensive observational analysis of gaseous nebulae by Copetti and Writzel (2002) and Wang et al (2004) that reach the same conclusions. The present theoretical results and the recent observational analyses differ significantly from the calculations by MacLaughlin and Bell (1998) and Keenan et al (1999). The new maxwellian averaged effective collision strengths are presented for the 10 transitions among the first 5 levels to enable computations of [O II] line ratios.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Electron-Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients and Photoionization Cross Sections for Astrophysically Abundant Elements. IX. Ni XXVI and Ni XXVII for UV and X-ray modeling

The inverse processes of photoionization and electron-ion recombination of (hnu + Ni XXVI --> Ni XXVII + e and (hnu + Ni XXVII --> Ni XXVIII + e) are studied using the unified method for the total recombination. The method subsumes both the radiative and di-electronic recombination processes and enables self-consistent sets of results for photoionization and electron-ion recombination by using the same wavefunction expansion. Photoionization cross sections (sigma_PI), recombination cross sections (sigma_{RC}), recombination collision strengths (Omega_{RC}), and recombination rate coefficients (alpha_{RC}) are obtained for ionization balance and spectral analysis of UV and X-ray lines. Level-specific photoionization cross sections and recombination rates are presented to enable accurate computation of recombination-cascade matrices for all fine structure levels n(SLJ) up to n <= 10: 98 bound fine structure levels of Ni XXVI with 0 <= l <= 9, 0 <= L <= 11, 1/2 <= J <= 17/2, and 198 levels of Ni XXVII with 0 <= l <= 9, 0 <= L <= 14, 0 <= J <= 10. Total alpha_{RC} for Ni XXVI and Ni XXVII are compared with the existing values with very good agreement. Total recombination rate coefficients for the hydrogen-like recombined ion, Ni XXVIII, are also presented. The calculations are carried out in relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) approximation with inclusion of radiation damping of resonances. With consideration of all details of the processes, the results, which include the level specific sigma_{PI} and alpha_{R} calculated for the first time, should be the most accurate for these ions.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Electron-Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients and Photoionization Cross Sections for Astrophysically Abundant Elements VIII. Ar XIII with new features

Ar XIII is found to be unique with new features in electron-ion recombination not seen in any other ion. The ion has been studied with the unified method which provides a theoretically self-consistent set of atomic parameters for the inverse processes of photoionization and total electron-ion recombination. The unified method subsumes both the radiative recombination (RR) and dielectronic recombination (DR) within the framework of close-coupling formulations using the R-matrix method. A set of four DR "bumps", two in the low and two in the high temperature regions, is found to exist in the recombination rates of Ar XIV + e $\to$ Ar XIII. This is in contrast to two typical DR "bumps", one at high temperature common for most ions and one at low temperature depending on the presence of near threshold autoionizing resonances in the bound-free process. The large scale ab initio calculations for Ar XIII employ eigenfunction expansion of 37 core Ar XIV states from n = 2 and 3 complexes. This enables core excitations of type $Δn$ = 0 and 1. Ar XIII exhibits more extensive resonant structures and wider PEC (photoexitation-of-core) resonances for n = 3 core states than those of n = 2 states. Hence the high energy region of photoionization and recombination are dominated by these structures. Total and partial photoionization cross sections of all bound states, state-specific recombinaion rates of 561 bound states and total recombination rate coefficients are presented.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Atomic data from the Iron Project.LVIII. New radiative transition probabilities for Fe IV including fine structure

We present new calculations for transition probabilities of Fe IV, with much more extensive datasets than heretofore available. The large-scale close coupling R-matrix calculations yield 1,798 LS bound states with n $\leq$ 11 and $l \leq$ 9, and corresponding transition probabilities for 138,121 dipole allowed transitions in the form of oscillator strengths $f$, line strengths $S$, and A-coeffficients for a variety of applications. This represents the largest R-matrix dataset in LS coupling for any ion under either the Opacity Project or the Iron Project. Through algebraic transformation of the LS multiplets, a total of 712,120 dipole allowed fine structure transitions for Fe IV are obtained. Observed transition energies are used together with the energy independent line strengths to derive the $f$- and the $A$-values; the adopted algorithm used calculated energies for the remainder. Present results show significantly better accuracy for the important low-lying states than previous calculations. Monochromatic and mean opacities for Fe IV are computed and compared with those obtained using the Opacity Project data. We find differences which could have important consequences for several astrophysical applications involving low ionization stages of iron.

astro-ph↗