Atomic physics calculations relevant to solar flare spectra

Abstract

Solar flare spectra in the ultraviolet and X-ray wavelength regions are rich in emission lines from highly ionized ions, formed at temperatures around 10 7 K. These lines can be used as valuable diagnostics for probing the physical conditions in solar flares. Such analyses require accurate atomic data for excitation, ionization and recombination processes. In this paper, we present a review of work which has already been carried out, in particular for the Solar Maximum Mission observations, and we look to future requirements for Solar-A .