Atomic Data And Analysis Structure Research Articles

Relativistic atomic structure calculations of Li-like ions used for plasma diagnostic studies

We have carried out atomic structure calculations using systematically enlarged multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock wavefunctions of Li-like ions of the most prominent plasma impurities (Ar, Ti, Fe, Ni, Kr and W) found in presently working tokamaks. Relativistic Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamic (QED) corrections such as vacuum polarization and self-energy corrections are also included in the calculations prior to the evaluation of low lying energy levels, transition probabilities, oscillator strengths and line strengths. Selective radiative data for electric dipole and magnetic quadrupole transitions are also reported. Special emphasis is given in the computations of fundamental quantities such as oscillator strengths as they are widely used in atomic data and analysis structure (ADAS) databases to evaluate quantities such as effective collision strengths. Present computed values are compared with existing available results on NIST database and few similar earlier computations and a good agreement has been found. We believe that the detailed atomic data with the relativistic and QED corrections will assist in spectroscopic studies such as accurate line identification and plasma modelling work in tokamak plasma, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), highly charged ions clocks and astrophysical observations.

Refined interpretation of electron temperature response to neutral beam injection at DIII-D

Accurate particle and power deposition profiles of neutral beam injection (NBI) are essential to transport studies, and that information is usually acquired through Monte Carlo simulations with a given collisional model. The deposition process of the energetic beam particles leads to the informative electron temperature (Te) evolution trajectory, which can be captured by electron cyclotron emission (ECE) system due to its good spatial and temporal resolution. Previously, some work has been done to interpret the Te responses to the pulsed NBI as a linear heating source with Fourier-based techniques, although that approach fell short when the fast ion slowing-down time becomes significant (∼100 ms). It has been observed in DIII-D that the modulated NBI pulses (10–50 Hz) reduce local core Te values ∼0.1 keV through cold electron dilution in high-Te (>2 keV) plasmas alongside accumulative heating. Here, a novel approach to interpret the Te response to NBI was developed by linearizing and modeling the detailed Te evolution trajectory using coherently averaged ECE data based on the different time scales of the terms in the local power and particle balance equations. The technique does not require absolute calibrations of ECE and is independent of collisional models. The resulting beam deposition profiles show good consistency and reasonable agreement with Monte Carlo calculations based on the atomic data from the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS). Local electron density response measured by Thomson scattering (TS) also suggests the same features when the beam pulse is large enough for that diagnostic to resolve. The remaining discrepancies are also discussed.

Study of increment of emission intensity in a cold atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet using the ADAS

In this paper, the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) has been used to study the cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet. Variation of emission intensity pattern from glass nozzle to the plasma jet tip of a helium plasma jet in ambient air has been observed from the intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera image. The increase of intensity pattern towards the plasma jet tip is an important and fundamental feature of the plasma jet in ambient air. The correlation of this observed pattern with electron impact processes has been studied by computing photon emissivity coefficients (PEC) using the ADAS. The role of various atomic processes involved in this study has also been discussed.

R-matrix electron-impact excitation data for the O-like iso-electronic sequence

Context. Astrophysical plasma codes are built on atomic databases. In the current atomic databases, R-matrix electron-impact excitation data of O-like ions are limited. The accuracy of plasma diagnostics with O-like ions depends on the availability and accuracy of the atomic data. This is particularly relevant in the context of future observatories equipped with the next generation of high-resolution spectrometers. Aims. We aim to obtain level-resolved effective collision strengths of O-like ions from Ne III to Zn XXIII (i.e. Ne2+ to Zn22+) over a wide range of temperatures. This includes transitions up to nl = 5d for each ion. We also aim to assess the accuracy of the new data, as well as their impact on solar atmosphere plasma diagnostics, compared to those available within the CHIANTI database. Methods. Large-scale R-matrix intermediate coupling frame transformation calculations were performed systematically for the O-like iso-electronic sequence. For each ion, 630 fine-structure levels were included in both the configuration interaction target and close-coupling collision expansions. Results. Our results (energy levels, oscillator strengths, and effective collision strengths) of selected ions across the iso-electronic sequence are compared with those in archival databases and the literature. For the selected ions throughout the iso-electronic sequence, we find general agreement with the few previous R-matrix calculations of collision strengths. We illustrate the improvements for a few solar plasma diagnostics over existing CHIANTI atomic models based on distorted wave (DW) data. The electron-impact excitation data are archived according to the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) data class adf04 and will be available in OPEN-ADAS.

R-matrix electron-impact excitation data for the N-like iso-electronic sequence

Context. Spectral lines from N-like ions can be used to measure the temperature and density of various types of astrophysical plasmas. The atomic databases of astrophysical plasma modelling codes still have room for improvement in their electron-impact excitation data sets for N-like ions, especially for R-matrix data. This is particularly relevant for future observatories (e.g. Arcus), which will host high-resolution spectrometers. Aims. We aim to obtain level-resolved effective collision strengths for all transitions up to nl = 5d over a wide range of temperatures for N-like ions from O II to Zn XXIV (i.e. O+ to Zn23+) and to assess the accuracy of the present work. We also examine the impact of our new data on plasma diagnostics by modelling solar observations with CHIANTI. Methods. We carried out systematic R-matrix calculations for N-like ions, which included 725 fine-structure target levels in both the configuration interaction target and close-coupling collision expansions. The R-matrix intermediate coupling frame transformation method was used to calculate the collision strengths, while the AUTOSTRUCTURE code was used for the atomic structures. Results. We compare the present results for selected ions with those in archival databases and the literature. The comparison covers energy levels, oscillator strengths, and effective collision strengths. We show examples of improved plasma diagnostics when compared to CHIANTI models, which use only distorted wave data as well as some using previous R-matrix data. The electron-impact excitation data are archived according to the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) data class adf04 and will be available in OPEN-ADAS. The data can be used to improve the atomic databases for astrophysical plasma diagnostics.

R-matrix electron-impact excitation data for the C-like iso-electronic sequence

Context. Emission and absorption features from C-like ions serve as temperature and density diagnostics of astrophysical plasmas. R-matrix electron-impact excitation data sets for C-like ions in the literature merely cover a few ions, and often only for the ground configuration. Aims. Our goal is to obtain level-resolved effective collision strength over a wide temperature range for C-like ions from N II to Kr XXXI (i.e., N+ to Kr30+) with a systematic set of R-matrix calculations. We also aim to assess their accuracy. Methods. For each ion, we included a total of 590 fine-structure levels in both the configuration interaction target and close-coupling collision expansion. These levels arise from 24 configurations 2l3nl′ with n = 2−4, l = 0−1, and l′ = 0−3 plus the three configurations 2s22p5l with l = 0−2. The AUTOSTRUCTURE code was used to calculate the target structure. Additionally, the R-matrix intermediate coupling frame transformation method was used to calculate the collision strengths. Results. We compare the present results of selected ions with archival databases and results in the literature. The comparison covers energy levels, transition rates, and effective collision strengths. We illustrate the impact of using the present results on an Ar XIII density diagnostic for the solar corona. The electron-impact excitation data is archived according to the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) data class adf04 and will be available in OPEN-ADAS. The data will be incorporated into spectral codes, such as CHIANTI and SPEX, for plasma diagnostics.

Effect of energy dependent cross-section on flow velocity measurements with charge exchange spectroscopy in magnetized plasma

Charge exchange spectroscopy (CXS) is widely used to measure plasma flow velocity. Accurate measurement is heavily affected by energy dependent cross section between neutral atoms and impurity ions. One symmetric layout of poloidal CXS is applied on Large Helical Device. Correction velocity due to the cross section is exacted from total velocity when actual plasma flow velocity is acquired with the benefit of this layout. A linear relationship between correction velocity and ion temperature is observed. Abundant discharges with wide plasma conditions are investigated and the ratio of correction velocity to ion temperature with the same beam energy shows the normal distribution. The impact of beam energy on the ratio of correction velocity to ion temperature of the carbon system and the hydrogen system is discovered based upon the statistics. Effective emission coefficient (Q) from Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) is utilized to study the dependence of correction velocity on Q. The relationship in which the ratio of correction velocity to ion temperature increases linearly with the increasing normalized effective emission coefficient ((1/Q)dQ/dv) is observed. Experimental (1/Q)dQ/dv is obtained according to this observation, and comparison with different fractions of n = 2 excited state is also discussed. The influence of different receivers (carbon and hydrogen) is also presented. The experimental (1/Q)dQ/dv from the carbon system decreases with beam energy decreasing when beam energy is less than 30 keV/amu. This tendency of (1/Q)dQ/dv at low beam energy indicates the existence of the contribution of n = 2 excited state donors to the cross section.

Density evaluation of tungsten W24+, W25+, and W26+ ions using unresolved transition array at 27–34 Å in Large Helical Device

The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectra of a tungsten unresolved transition array (UTA) at 15–70 Å have been studied in Large Helical Device (LHD) by injecting a tungsten pellet. Vertical profiles of the UTA line are measured with a space-resolved EUV spectrometer. In our previous study, it has been found that the UTA line at wavelength intervals of 32.16–33.32, 30.69–31.71, and 29.47–30.47 Å is composed of a single ionization stage of W24+, W25+, and W26+, respectively. In this report, therefore, the densities of W24+, W25+, and W26+ ions are evaluated from the radial profile measured at the above-mentioned wavelength intervals. To evaluate ion density, the photon emission coefficients of W24+, W25+, and W26+ ions are calculated using a collisional-radiative (CR) model. The chord-integrated radial profile of UTA lines is converted to a local emissivity profile using the Abel inversion technique. The density profiles of W24+, W25+, and W26+ ions are thus obtained from the local emissivity profile and the photon emission coefficient in addition to the temperature and density profiles. The obtained density profile of the W24+ ion is analyzed in detail by investigating the dependences of the electron density and the number of tungsten particles injected by the tungsten pellet. The total tungsten ion density nW near ρ = 0.7 where the W24+ ion locates is also estimated from the W24+ ion density with fractional abundance in ionization equilibrium calculated with the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) code. The nW evaluated from the present CR model seems to be larger than that estimated from the number of tungsten particles injected by the pellet. Discussions are made with the nW evaluated from the photon emission coefficient in the CL version of the ADAS code.

Influence of neutral beam attenuation on beam emission spectroscopy and charge exchange recombination spectroscopy.

Neutral beam attenuation is simulated by means of consulting the ADAS (Atomic Data and Analysis Structure) database based on experimentally diagnosed radial plasma density and electron temperature profiles on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Two-dimensional distributions of beam emission and charge exchange recombination photon flux are simulated, taking neutral beam attenuation into account, together with comparison with experimental results of Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) and Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS). A photon number which is over 1014 promises a sufficient photon flux for typical detectors of BES, CXRS, and UltraFast-CXRS (UF-CXRS) diagnostics. Evidence shows that the ADAS database overvalues neutral beam injection effective stopping coefficient on the EAST tokamak. The joint diagnostic of BES and UF-CXRS which is under development to measure plasma pressure with a high temporal resolution of 1 μs will have strong signals in a radial range of 0.6 < ρ < 0.8. The steep gradients of plasma density and C6+ density at ρ ∼ 1 bring great difficulty to edge plasma investigation by this joint diagnostic.

Model Validation for Quantitative X-Ray Measurements

Soft–X-ray (SXR) brightness measurements contain information on a number of physics parameters in fusion plasmas; however, it is nearly impossible to extract the information without modeling. A validated forward model is therefore necessary for the accurate interpretation of SXR measurements and will be critical in the burning plasma era, where medium- and high-Z impurities are ever present. The Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) database is a powerful interpretive tool that is extensively used to model and predict atomic spectra, level populations, and ionization balance for fusion plasmas. These predictions are in good agreement with experimental measurements. However, continuum radiation in the X-ray range, while also modeled in ADAS, has not been rigorously verified or tested against experimental data. We therefore performed a systematic comparison of ADAS to a simplified model called PFM. PFM only calculates continuum radiation but shows good agreement with experimental data when only continuum radiation is present. ADAS and the simplified model agree to within 1% to 2% indicating that ADAS is calculating continuum radiation correctly. We have also begun a validation of SXR brightness calculations from ADAS. The SXR brightness measurements modeled by ADAS agree well with experimental measurements from an extreme where the signal is dominated by line radiation continuously through another extreme where the signal is dominated by continuum emission. While this validation work is preliminary, it strongly suggests that ADAS accurately models the physics that lead to SXR radiation.

Dielectronic recombination data for dynamic finite-density plasmas

Context.We aim to present a comprehensive theoretical investigation of dielectronic recombination (DR) of the silicon-like isoelectronic sequence and provide DR and radiative recombination (RR) data that can be used within a generalized collisional-radiative modelling framework.Aims.Total and final-state level-resolved DR and RR rate coefficients for the ground and metastable initial levels of 16 ions between P+and Zn16+are determined.Methods.We carried out multi-configurational Breit-Pauli DR calculations for silicon-like ions in the independent processes, isolated resonance, distorted wave approximation. Both Δnc= 0 and Δnc= 1 core excitations are included usingLSand intermediate coupling schemes.Results.Results are presented for a selected number of ions and compared to all other existing theoretical and experimental data. The total dielectronic and radiative recombination rate coefficients for the ground state are presented in tabulated form for easy implementation into spectral modelling codes. These data can also be accessed from the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) OPEN-ADAS database. This work is a part of an assembly of a dielectronic recombination database for the modelling of dynamic finite-density plasmas.

The electron energy loss rate due to radiative recombination

For photoionized plasmas, electron energy-loss rates due to radiative recombination (RR) are required for thermal equilib- rium calculations, which assume a local balance between the energy gain and loss. While many calculations of total and/or partial RR rates are available from literature, specific calculations of associated RR electron energy-loss rates are lacking. Here we focus on electron energy-loss rates due to radiative recombination of H-like to Ne-like ions for all the elements up to and including zinc (Z = 30), over a wide temperature range. We use the AUTOSTRUCTURE code to calculate the level-resolved photoionization cross section and modify the ADASRR code so that we can simultaneously obtain level-resolved RR rate coefficients and associated RR electron energy-loss rate coefficients. The total RR rates and electron energy-loss rates of H i and He i are compared with those found in literature. Furthermore, we utilize and parameterize the weighted electron energy-loss factors (dimensionless) to characterize total electron energy-loss rates due to RR. The RR electron energy-loss data are archived according to the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) data class adf48. The RR electron energy-loss data are also incorporated into the SPEX code for detailed modelling of photoionized plamsas.

Diagnosing transient plasma status: from solar atmosphere to tokamak divertor

This work strongly exploits the interdisciplinary links between astrophysical (such as the solar upper atmosphere) and laboratory plasmas (such as tokamak devices) by sharing the development of a common modelling for time-dependent ionisation. This is applied to the interpretation of solar flare data observed by the UVSP (Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter), on-board the Solar Maximum Mission and the IRIS (Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph), and also to data from B2-SOLPS (Scrape Off Layer Plasma Simulations) for MAST (Mega Ampère Spherical Tokamak) Super-X divertor upgrade. The derived atomic data, calculated in the framework of the ADAS (Atomic Data and Analysis Structure) project, allow equivalent prediction in non-stationary transport regimes and transients of both the solar atmosphere and tokamak divertors, except that the tokamak evolution is about one thousand times faster.

Plasma Core Electron Density and Temperature Measurements Using CVI Line Emissions in TCABR Tokamak

In this work, we present results of electron temperature (Te) and density (ne) measurements obtained in Tokamak Chauffage Alfven Bresilien (TCABR) tokamak using visible spectroscopy from CVI line emissions which occurs mainly near the center of the plasma column. The presented method is based on a well-known relationship between the particle flux (Γion) and the photon flux (oion) emitted by an ion species combined with ionizations per photon atomic data provided by the atomic data and analysis structure (ADAS) database. In the experiment, we measured the photon fluxes of three different CVI spectral line emissions, 4685.2, 5290.5, and 6200.6 A (one line per shot). Using this method it was possible to find out the temporal evolution of Te and ne in the plasma. The results achieved are in good agreement with Te and ne measurements made using other diagnostic tools.

Simultaneous estimation of plasma parameters from spectroscopic data of neutral helium using least square fitting of CR-model

In the present work an effort has been made to estimate the plasma parameters simultaneously like—electron density, electron temperature, ground state atom density, ground state ion density and metastable state density from the observed visible spectra of penning plasma discharge (PPD) source using least square fitting. The analysis is performed for the prominently observed neutral helium lines. The atomic data and analysis structure (ADAS) database is used to provide the required collisional-radiative (CR) photon emissivity coefficients (PECs) values under the optical thin plasma condition in the analysis. With this condition the estimated plasma temperature from the PPD is found rather high. It is seen that the inclusion of opacity in the observed spectral lines through PECs and addition of diffusion of neutrals and metastable state species in the CR-model code analysis improves the electron temperature estimation in the simultaneous measurement.

Polarimetric spectra analysis for tokamak pitch angle measurements

Measurements of the internal magnetic field structures using conventional polarimetric approaches are considered extremely challenging in fusion-reactor environments whereas the information on current density profiles is essential to establish steady-state and advance operation scenarios in such reactor-relevant devices. Therefore, on ITER a hybrid system is proposed for the current density measurements that uses both polarimetry and spectral measurements. The spectrum-based approaches have been tested in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) during the past two plasma campaigns. As such, KSTAR is a test-bed for the proposed ITER hybrid system. Measurements in the plasma core are based on the motional Stark effect (MSE) spectrum of the neutral beam emission. For the edge profiles, the Zeeman effect (ZE) acting on the lithium emission spectrum of the newly installed (2013) Lithium-beam-diagnostic is exploited. The neutral beam emission spectra, complicated by the multi-ion-source beam injection, are successfully fitted making use of the data provided by the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) database package. This way pitch angle profiles could be retrieved from the beam emission spectra. With the same spectrometer/CCD hardware as on MSE, but with a different wavelength range and different lines of sight, the first ZE spectrum measurements have been made. The Zeeman splitting comparable to and greater than the instrumental broadening has been routinely detected at high toroidal field operations ( ∼ 3 Tesla).

Diagnosing transient ionization in dynamic events

The present study aims to provide a diagnostic line ratio that will enable the observer to determine whether a plasma is in a state of transient ionization. We use the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) to calculate line contribution functions for two lines, Si IV 1394 A and O IV 1401 A, formed in the solar transition region. The generalized collisional-radiative theory is used. It includes all radiative and electron collisional processes, except for photon-induced processes. State-resolved direct ionization and recombination to and from the next ionization stage are also taken into account. For dynamic bursts with a decay time of a few seconds, the Si IV 1394 A line can be enhanced by a factor of 2-4 in the first fraction of a second with the peak in the line contribution function occurring initially at a higher electron temperature due to transient ionization compared to ionization equilibrium conditions. On the other hand, the O IV 1401 A does not show such any enhancement. Thus the ratio of these two lines, which can be observed with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, can be used as a diagnostic of transient ionization. We show that simultaneous high-cadence observations of two lines formed in the solar transition region may be used as a direct diagnostic of whether the observed plasma is in transient ionization. The ratio of these two lines can change by a factor of four in a few seconds owing to transient ionization alone.

Enhancement of plasma burn-through simulation and validation in JET

In this paper, new models for a plasma burn-through simulation using the DYON code are introduced in detail, and the quantitative validation of the simulation results against JET data is presented for the first time. In order to calculate the particle confinement time, a dynamic effective connection length model including an eddy current effect is used assuming ambipolar transonic transport and the Bohm diffusion model for parallel and perpendicular particle losses, respectively. Plasma–surface interaction effects are treated with an impurity sputtering yield and an exponential saturation model of the deuterium recycling coefficient. The rate and power coefficients in the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) package are adopted to solve energy and particle balance. The neutral screening effects are taken into account according to particle species, and the sophisticated energy and particle balances are presented. The new burn-through simulation shows good agreement against carbon-wall JET data. This indicates that the burn-through simulation can be applied to investigate the key aspect of physics in plasma burn-through and to perform a predictive simulation for ITER start-up.

Comparison between observed and theoretical O IV line ratios in the UV/EUV solar spectrum as derived by SUMER, CDS and EIS

Aims. The joint use of SoHO Solar Ultraviolet Measurement of Emitted Radiation (SUMER), Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) and Hinode Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) allow observation of several O iv line ratios, useful for temperature plasma diagnostics. Accurate atomic data are required to avoid interpretation errors in deriving the electron temperature from these ratios. Muglach et al. (2010) found that the measured ratio I(787.72 A)/I(279.93 A) is lower than the predicted value by a factor 2–5. Here the predicted value for this ratio is revised using updated atomic data. A comparison with other observed O iv line ratios is shown and the electron temperature is derived. Methods. The analysis is based on new observations made during the observational campaign of April 2009 and including three O iv multiplets. The theoretical ratios have been derived using the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) database and include comparison with the most recent calculations available in the literature. Results. The discrepancy for the O iv I(787.72 A)/I(279.93 A) ratio has been solved by adding transitions involving higher excited levels, which have been omitted in previous atomic models. This results in a decrease of the theoretical line ratio, providing electron temperatures in the range of logT = 5.17–5.39, close to the temperature expected from a plasma in ionisation equilibrium.

Estimation of Neutral Density in Edge Plasma with Double Null Configuration in EAST

In this work, population coefficients of hydrogen's n = 3 excited state from the hydrogen collisional-radiative (CR) model, from the data file of DEGAS 2, are used to calculate the photon emissivity coefficients (PECs) of hydrogen Balmer-α (n = 3 → n = 2) (Hα). The results are compared with the PECs from Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) database, and a good agreement is found. A magnetic surface-averaged neutral density profile of typical double-null (DN) plasma in EAST is obtained by using FRANTIC, the 1.5-D fluid transport code. It is found that the sum of integral Dα and Hα emission intensity calculated via the neutral density agrees with the measured results obtained by using the absolutely calibrated multi-channel poloidal photodiode array systems viewing the lower divertor at the last closed flux surface (LCFS). It is revealed that the typical magnetic surface-averaged neutral density at LCFS is about 3.5 × 1016 m−3.