Abstract
We discuss lower-than-predicted collisional–excitation cross sections for helium-like xenon measured at an Electron Beam Ion Trap facility. In a review paper (H. Chen and P. Beiersdorfer. Can. J. Phys. 86, 55 (2008)), the authors find a significant effect due to the Breit interaction between the free and the bound electrons in the excitation process of He-like xenon. The authors state that the agreement between the measured and calculated cross section values can only be found when the generalized Breit interaction is included in the calculations. We have performed new calculations with a multi-configuration Dirac–Fock code, as well as with the Penn State University suite of codes, and our conclusions are that the contribution of the Breit interaction is much lower than found in the calculations presented in the abovementioned article. In fact, our predictions are subsequently almost twice as large as the experimental values. We present these considerations in hopes of motivating new experimental investigations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.