Electron-ion recombination for $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ forming $\ion{Fe}{vii}$ and $\ion{Fe}{ix}$ forming $\ion{Fe}{viii}$: measurements and theory

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) Vol. 492; no. 1; pp. 265 - 275
• Main Authors: Schmidt, E. W., Schippers, S., Bernhardt, D., Müller, A., Hoffmann, J., Lestinsky, M., Orlov, D. A., Wolf, A., Lukić, D. V., Savin, D. W., Badnell, N. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 01.12.2008
• Subjects: atomic data; atomic processes; galaxies: active; galaxies: nuclei; plasmas; X-rays: galaxies; Germany, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Heidelberg
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:200810834

The photorecombination rate coefficients of potassium-like $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ ions forming calcium-like $\ion{Fe}{vii}$ and of argon-like $\ion{Fe}{ix}$ forming potassium-like $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ were measured by employing the merged electron-ion beams method at the Heidelberg heavy-ion storage-ring TSR. New theoretical calculations with the AUTOSTRUCTURE code were carried out for dielectronic recombination (DR) and trielectronic recombination (TR) for both ions. We compare these experimental and theoretical results and also compare with previously recommended rate coefficients. The DR and TR resonances were experimentally investigated in the electron-ion collision energy ranges 0–120 eV and 0–151 eV for $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ and $\ion{Fe}{ix}$. Experimentally derived $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ and $\ion{Fe}{ix}$ DR + TR plasma rate coefficients are provided in the temperature range $k_{\rm B}T=0.2$ to $1000~{\rm eV}$. Their uncertainties amount to <$\pm26\%$ and <$\pm35\%$ at a 90% confidence level for $\ion{Fe}{viii}$ and $\ion{Fe}{ix}$, respectively.