Stark–Zeeman line-shape model for multi-electron radiators in hot dense plasmas subjected to large magnetic fields

Abstract

We present a Stark–Zeeman spectral line-shape model and the associated numerical code, PPPB, designed to provide fast and accurate line shapes for arbitrary atomic systems for a large range of plasma conditions. PPPB is based on the coupling of the PPP code—a Stark-broadened spectral line-shape code developed for multi-electron ion spectroscopy in hot dense plasmas—and the MASCB code developed recently to generate B-field-dependent atomic physics. The latter provides energy levels, statistical weights, and reduced matrix elements of multi-electron radiators by diagonalizing the atomic Hamiltonian that includes the well know B-dependent term. These are then used as inputs to PPP working in the standard line-broadening approach, i.e., using the quasi-static ion and impact electron approximations. The effects of ion dynamics are introduced by means of the frequency fluctuation model, and the physical model of electron broadening is based on the semi-classical impact approximation including the effects of a strong collision term, interference, and cyclotron motion. Finally, to account for polarization effects, the output profiles are calculated for a given angle of observation with respect to the direction of the magnetic field. The potential of this model is presented through Stark–Zeeman spectral line-shape calculations performed for various experimental conditions.