X-ray resonant photoexcitation: line widths and energies of K{\alpha} transitions in highly charged Fe ions

TL;DR

This study measures the precise energies and linewidths of Kα transitions in highly charged iron ions using synchrotron radiation, providing critical data for modeling X-ray processes in astrophysical plasmas.

Contribution

It presents highly accurate measurements of Kα line widths and energies in Fe ions from heliumlike to fluorinelike, advancing the understanding of X-ray interactions in astrophysical environments.

Findings

Natural linewidths determined with unprecedented accuracy

Transition energies measured around 6.6 keV

Data relevant for modeling X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei

Abstract

Photoabsorption by and fluorescence of the K{\alpha} transitions in highly charged iron ions are essential mechanisms for X-ray radiation transfer in astrophysical environments. We study photoabsorption due to the main K{\alpha} transitions in highly charged iron ions from heliumlike to fluorinelike (Fe 24+...17+) using monochromatic X-rays around 6.6 keV at the PETRA III synchrotron photon source. Natural linewidths were determined with hitherto unattained accuracy. The observed transitions are of particular interest for the understanding of photoexcited plasmas found in X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei.