Spectroscopy of Highly Charged Ions for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasma Diagnostics

Author

Yang YangFollow

Date of Award

8-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics

Committee Chair/Advisor

Endre Takacs

Committee Member

Yuri Ralchenko

Committee Member

Bradley Meyer

Committee Member

Marco Ajello

Abstract

Electron beam ion traps (EBITs) are small-scale laboratory devices that create and trap highly charged ions (HCI) for spectroscopic studies. These devices create plasma conditions resembling astrophysical environments like stellar winds and supernova remnants, providing valuable insights into astrophysical plasma. Theoretical models for such systems require incorporating relativistic and quantum electrodynamics effects, making experimental studies of HCIs essential for benchmarking these theories.

Spectral analysis of astrophysical and laboratory plasma requires understanding the ionization balance. Accurate atomic data, including excitation, ionization, and recombination cross sections, along with precise knowledge of operating conditions such as electron beam density, electron beam energy, and trapped ion temperature, are essential for simulations. Previous results from the Hitomi mission have highlighted the dominance of systematic uncertainties originating from models and underlying atomic physics over instrumental and statistical uncertainties [1]. As a result, the need for more precise ionization cross-section data has emerged to enhance the modeling accuracy of astrophysical plasma temperatures, with a specific focus on highly charged Fe ions. In the first part of this work, electron-impact ionization cross sections of He-like Fe²⁴⁺ were measured with the NIST EBIT. In the second part of this work, we aim to contribute more experimental atomic data of the lanthanide element, neodymium (Nd). Those data are expected to be valuable for benchmarking the theoretical model and the development of next-generation EUV lithography sources.

Recommended Citation

Yang, Yang, "Spectroscopy of Highly Charged Ions for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasma Diagnostics" (2023). All Dissertations. 3389.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3389