Parity nonconservation in dielectronic recombination of multiply charged ions

TL;DR

This paper explores parity nonconservation effects in dielectronic recombination of polarized electrons with highly charged ions, highlighting potential experimental advantages of complex ions with degenerate states.

Contribution

It proposes that complex ions with degenerate states could enhance PNC effects, offering new avenues for experimental observation.

Findings

PNC asymmetry is enhanced in certain doubly-excited states.

He-like ions have large energy and widths, complicating measurements.

Degenerate states in complex ions may be more suitable for experiments.

Abstract

We discuss a parity nonconserving (PNC) asymmetry in the cross section of dielectronic recombination of polarized electrons on multiply charged ions with Z>40. This effect is strongly enhanced for close doubly-excited states of opposite parity in the intermediate compound ion. Such states are known for He-like ions. However, these levels have large energy and large radiative widths which hampers observation of the PNC asymmetry. We argue that accidentally degenerate states of the more complex ions may be more suitable for the corresponding experiment.