Astrophysical line diagnosis requires non-linear dynamical atomic modeling

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that non-linear dynamical effects are essential for accurate modeling of astrophysical neonlike Fe${}^{16+}$ spectral lines, especially under strong x-ray sources, and introduces advanced calculations including electron-correlation effects.

Contribution

It introduces a non-linear dynamical modeling approach for astrophysical line diagnostics and performs large-scale configuration-interaction calculations with higher-order electron correlations.

Findings

Non-linear effects are crucial for accurate spectral line modeling.

Dynamical effects can resolve discrepancies between theory and experiment.

Advanced calculations improve understanding of strong-field astrophysical spectra.

Abstract

Line intensities and oscillator strengths for the controversial 3C and 3D astrophysically relevant lines in neonlike Fe${}^{16+}$ ions are calculated. We show that, for strong x-ray sources, the modeling of the spectral lines by a peak with an area proportional to the oscillator strength is not sufficient and non-linear dynamical effects have to be taken into account. Furthermore, a large-scale configuration-interaction calculation of oscillator strengths is performed with the inclusion of higher-order electron-correlation effects. The dynamical effects give a possible resolution of discrepancies of theory and experiment found by recent measurements, which motivates the use of light-matter interaction models also valid for strong light fields in the analysis and interpretation of astrophysical and laboratory spectra.