New atomic data for C I Rydberg states compared with solar UV spectra

TL;DR

This study provides comprehensive atomic data for neutral carbon's Rydberg states, compares theoretical predictions with solar UV spectra, and enhances the identification of C I lines in solar observations.

Contribution

First complete dataset of energies and transition probabilities for C I Rydberg states up to n=30, with validation against solar UV spectra and previous calculations.

Findings

Spectral line intensities match well with observations

New identifications of C I lines in solar spectra

Discrepancies found with some NIST recommended values

Abstract

We use the Breit Pauli $R$-matrix method to calculate accurate energies and radiative data for states in C I up to $n$=30 and with $l\le 3$. We provide the full dataset of decays to the five 2s$^2$2p$^2$ ground configuration states $^3$P$_{0,1,2}$, $^1$D$_2$, $^1$S$_0$. This is the first complete set of data for transitions from $n\ge 5$. We compare oscillator strengths and transition probabilities with the few previously calculated values for such transitions, finding generally good agreement (within 10%) with the exception of values recently recommended by NIST, where significant discrepancies are found. We then calculate spectral line intensities originating from the Rydberg states using typical chromospheric conditions and assuming LTE, and compare them with well-calibrated SOHO SUMER UV spectra of the quiet Sun. The relative intensities of the Rydberg series are in excellent agreement with observation, which provides firm evidence for the identifications and blends of nearly 200 UV lines. Such comparison also resulted in a large number of new identifications of C I lines in the spectra. We also estimate optical depth effects and find that these can account for much of the absorption noted in the observations. The atomic data can be applied to model a wide range of solar and astrophysical observations.