Work

Plasma screening effects in Stark broadening: A fully relativistic close-coupling approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Stark broadening of spectral lines in plasmas is a cornerstone of opacity modeling and plasma diagnostics, with critical implications for controlled fusion and astrophysics. Despite recent advances in fully quantum-mechanical close-coupling calculations for electron-impact broadening, the impact of denser plasma environments remains largely unexplored due to theoretical bottlenecks associated with electron-ion collision processes. Based on our close-coupling theory for electron-ion collisions in plasmas, which resolves the problem of extracting short-range scattering phase shifts, we introduce a fully relativistic close-coupling approach for the Stark broadening that incorporates plasma screening effects. Systematic investigations of hydrogenic radiators reveal distinct patterns of line broadening dependence on plasma conditions, offering valuable insights for plasma diagnostic applications. Furthermore, we provide a quantum-mechanical interpretation of the screening factor commonly introduced in semiclassical impact theories. This work establishes a robust foundation for future studies on complex atomic systems in high-density plasmas.

Source: Physical Review Research

DOI: 10.1103/7gkj-qyl7

Authors: Chao Wu, Yong Wu, Yu Hao Zhu, Ming Li, Jian Guo Wang, Xiang Gao

Institutions: Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Peking University, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,625

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province