Atomic configuration averages and non-local thermodynamical equilibrium plasma spectroscopy calculations

Configuration-average rates and unresolved transition array theory are combined to calculate non-local thermodynamical equilibrium (NLTE) spectral properties of plasmas. This approach turns out to be very efficient for NLTE plasmas involving complex ions such as mid-Z plasmas. Explicit expressions are given for all the needed configuration-average collisional and radiative rates involved in population kinetics calculations. This approach is used to calculate the x-ray spectral emission of an L-shell ionized germanium plasma.