Studying the Variation of the Fine Structure Constant Using Emission Line Multiplets

As an extension of the method by Bahcall et al. (2004) to investigate the time dependence of the fine structure constant, we describe an approach based on new observations of forbidden line multiplets from different ionic species. We obtain optical spectra of fine structure transitions in [Ne III], [Ne V], [O III], [OI], and [SII] multiplets from a sample of 14 Seyfert 1.5 galaxies in the low-z range 0.035 < z < 0.281. Each source and each multiplet is independently analyzed to ascertain possible errors. Averaging over our sample, we obtain a conservative value alpha^2(t)/\alpha^2(0) = 1.0030+-0.0014. However, our sample is limited in size and our fitting technique simplistic as we primarily intend to illustrate the scope and strengths of emission line studies of the time variation of the fine structure constant. The approach can be further extended and generalized to a "many-multiplet emission line method" analogous in principle to the corresponding method using absorption lines. With that aim, we note that the theoretical limits on emission line ratios of selected ions are precisely known, and provide well constrained selection criteria. We also discuss several other forbidden and allowed lines that may constitute the basis for a more rigorous study using high-resolution instruments on the next generation of 8 m class telescopes.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures, sumbitted to A

Highly Excited Core Resonances in Photoionization of Fe XVII : Implications for Plasma Opacities

A comprehensive study of high-accuracy photoionization cross sections is carried out using the relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method for (hnu + Fe XVII --> Fe XVIII + e). Owing to its importance in high-temperature plasmas the calculations cover a large energy range, particularly the myriad photoexciation-of-core (PEC) resonances including the n = 3 levels not heretofore considered. The calculations employ a close coupling wave function expansion of 60 levels of the core ion Fe XVIII ranging over a wide energy range of nearly 900 eV between the n = 2 and n = 3 levels. Strong coupling effects due to dipole transition arrays 2p^5 --> 2p^4 (3s,3d) manifest themselves as large PEC resonances throughout this range, and enhance the effective photoionization cross sections orders of magnitude above the background. Comparisons with the erstwhile Opacity Project (OP) and other previous calculations shows that the currently available cross sections considerably underestimate the bound-free cross sections. A level-identification scheme is used for spectroscopic designation of the 454 bound fine structure levels of Fe XVII. Level-specific photoionization cross sections are computed for all levels. In addition, partial cross sections for leaving the core ion Fe XVII in the ground state are also obtained. These results should be relevant to modeling of astrophysical and laboratory plasma sources requiring (i) photoionization rates, (ii) extensive non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium models, (iii) total unified electron-ion recombination rates including radiative and dielectronic recombination, and (iv) plasma opacities. We particularly examine PEC and non-PEC resonance strengths and emphasize their expanded role to incorporate inner-shell excitations for improved opacities, as shown by the computed monochromatic opacity of Fe XVII.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, Physical Review A (in press

R-matrix calculations for opacities: III. Plasma broadening of autoionizing resonances

A general formulation is employed to study and quantitatively ascertain the effect of plasma broadening of {\it intrinsic} autoionizing (AI) resonances in photoionization cross sections. In particular, R-matrix data for iron ions described in the previous paper in the RMOP series (RMOP-II, hereafter RMOP2) are used to demonstrate underlying physical mechanisms due to electron collisions, ion microfields (Stark), thermal Doppler effects, core excitations, and free-free transitions. Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) cross section for the large number of bound levels of Fe ions are considered, 454 levels of Fe~XVII, 1,184 levels of Fe~XVIII and 508 levels of Fe~XIX. Following a description of theoretical and computational methods, a sample of results is presented to show significant broadening and shifting of AI resonances due to {\it Extrinsic} plasma broadening as a function of temperature and density. Redistribution of AI resonance strengths broadly preserves their integrated strengths as well as the naturally {\it intrinsic} asymmetric shapes of resonance complexes which are broadened, smeared and flattened, eventually dissolving into the bound-free continua.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2301.0773

K-shell dielectronic resonances in photoabsorption: differential oscillator strengths for Li-like C IV, O VI, and Fe XXIV

Recently X-ray photoabsorption in KLL resonances of O VI was predicted [Pradhan, Astrophys.J. Lett. 545, L165 (2000)], and detected by the Chandra X-ray Observatory [Lee et al, Astrophys. J. {\it Lett.}, submitted]. The required resonance oscillator strengths f_r, are evaluated in terms of the differential oscillator strength df/de that relates bound and continuum absorption. We present the f_r values from radiatively damped and undamped photoionization cross sections for Li-like C,O, and Fe calculated using relativistic close coupling Breit-Pauli R-matrix method. The KLL resonances of interest here are: 1s2p (^3P^o) 2s [^4P^o_{1/2,3/2}, ^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}] and 1s2p (^1P^o) 2s [^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}]. The KLL photoabsorption resonances in Fe XXIV are fully resolved up to natural autoionization profiles for the first time. It is demonstrated that the undamped f_r independently yield the resonance radiative decay rates, and thereby provide a precise check on the resolution of photoionization calculations in general. The predicted photoabsorption features should be detectable by the X-ray space observatories and enable column densities in highly ionized astrophysical plasmas to be determined from the calculated f_r. The dielectronic satellites may appear as redward broadening of resonances lines in emission and absorption.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figurs, Phys. Rev. A, Rapid Communication (submitted

Magnetic Order Beyond RKKY in the Classical Kondo Lattice

We study the Kondo lattice model of band electrons coupled to classical spins, in three dimensions, using a combination of variational calculation and Monte Carlo. We use the weak coupling `RKKY' window and the strong coupling regime as benchmarks, but focus on the physically relevant intermediate coupling regime. Even for modest electron-spin coupling the phase boundaries move away from the RKKY results, the non interacting Fermi surface no longer dictates magnetic order, and weak coupling `spiral' phases give way to collinear order. We use these results to revisit the classic problem of 4f magnetism and demonstrate how both electronic structure and coupling effects beyond RKKY control the magnetism in these materials.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figs. Improved figures, expanded captions. To appear in Europhys. Let