Electron-Impact Multiple Ionization Cross Sections for Atoms and Ions of Helium through Zinc

Abstract

We have compiled a set of electron-impact multiple ionization (EIMI) cross sections for astrophysically relevant ions. EIMI can have a significant effect on the ionization balance of non-equilibrium plasmas. For example, it can be important if there is a rapid change in the electron temperature or if there is a non-thermal electron energy distribution, such as a kappa distribution. Cross sections for EIMI are needed in order to account for these processes in plasma modeling and for spectroscopic interpretation. Here, we describe our comparison of proposed semiempirical formulae to the available experimental EIMI cross section data. Based on this comparison, we have interpolated and extrapolated fitting parameters to systems that have not yet been measured. A tabulation of the fit parameters is provided for 3466 EIMI cross sections. We also highlight some outstanding issues that remain to be resolved.

Submitted to Astrophysical Journal Supplement. The cross section database (Table 2 in the manuscript) is available upon request

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