The 3s23p3d3Foterm in the Si-like spectrum of Fe (Fe XIII)1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.

Abstract

The structure of Si-like ions is discussed for the example of iron (spectrum Fe XIII). The 3s23p3d 3Foterm with its three fine structure levels of very different lifetimes has eluded the early observations. Meanwhile, complementary experimental techniques have permitted to track these levels. Theory has also evolved from approximate techniques to accurate ab initio calculations, the results of which cast doubt on some earlier Fe XIII line identifications and guide the search for and the identification of the correct lines in solar corona spectra.