Relativistic calculations for Fe XXIII: Atomic structure

Abstract

Relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock theory was applied in calculating the atomic structure of Fe XXIII. These calculations are needed in solar-flare spectra and laboratory plasma modeling and diagnostics, as well as the relativistic distorted-wave calculation of electron impact excitation. For Fe XXIII, relativistic effects begin to show a more or less significant influence on the radial wave function and atomic structure in contrast to a lower-Z Be-like ion. In the present calculation, a large-scale configuration expansion was used in describing the target states. These results are extensively compared with those of nonrelativistic and other calculations. Large differences are found in these comparisons. Comparisons with experimental and observed values, wherever available, are also made. Because more relativistic effects and correlation effects are caught than before, the present results should be more accurate and reliable.