Abstract
The theory of electron–atom collisions including excitation, ionization, and recombination is presented in the framework of Fermi’s equivalent photon method, the similarity function approach, and semi-empirical analytical formulas. Collisional excitation is described via a quasi-classical consideration. Dipole-allowed, dipole-forbidden, and intercombination electron transitions are considered including intermediate coupling effects. Comparisons between different theoretical approaches and experimental data for excitation cross-sections are provided for various atoms and type of electronic transitions. Semi-empirical analytical formulas for excitation, de-exciation, ionization, and three-body recombination are given. Complex dielectronic recombination rates in dense plasmas are presented with account for density and electric field effects. Extensive numerical data for dielectronic recombination into H-, He-, and Li-like ions taking into account multi-channel Auger and radiative decay are given for all elements with nuclear charge Zn = 2–42 together with easy to use scaled semi-empirical formulas. The theory of excited states coupling and collisional redistribution for dielectronic recombination is developed.
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Rosmej, F.B., Astapenko, V.A., Lisitsa, V.S. (2021). Electron–Atom Collisions. In: Plasma Atomic Physics. Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics, vol 104. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05968-2_5
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