Atomic configuration average simulations for plasma spectroscopy

Configuration average atomic physics based on Hartree-Fock methods and an unresolved transition array (UTA) simulation theory are combined to provide a computationally efficient approach for calculating the spectral properties of plasmas involving complex ions. The UTA theory gives an overall representation for the many lines associated with a radiative transition from one configuration to another without calculating the fine structure in full detail. All of the atomic quantities required for synthesis of the spectrum are calculated in the same approximation and used to generate the parameters required for representation of each UTA, the populations of the various atomic states, and the oscillator strengths. The authors use this method to simulate the transmission of X-rays through an aluminium plasma. The results are compared to experiment and to previous detailed fine structure calculations. The present results duplicate all major structural features of the spectrum and represent a significant saving in computational time compared to detailed calculations.