Overview of recent advances performed in the study of atomic structures and radiative processes for the lowest ionization stages of heavy elements

Abstract

During the past 20 years, part of our work has been focused on the study of the atomic structure and the determination of radiative parameters in neutral and slightly ionized heavy atoms (Z ≥ 37). These elements attracted little previous interest because of the complexity of their electronic structures, the poor knowledge of their spectra, and the difficulty to perform experimental measurements. They present, however, great interest in the development of other scientific areas, such as astrophysics and plasma physics. In this paper, we give an overview of the recent progress performed by the group of Atomic Physics and Astrophysics at Mons University (Belgium) in the theoretical modelling and the experimental analysis of such heavy elements. We also discuss some applications of the atomic data obtained in our work for the interpretation of the spectra observed from astrophysical and laboratory plasmas.