Density diagnostics of solar emission lines from nitrogen-like ions

Abstract

Steady state level population of 13 levels of nitrogen-like ions; Ne IV, Mg VI, Si VIII, and S X have been computed as a function of electron density and temperature. We have accounted for collisional and spontaneous radiative processes. Photo-excitations among the ground term levels have also been considered. Using the computed level populations line intensities have been obtained as a function of electron density and temperature. This study indicates that line intensity ratios for nitrogen-like ions can be used as a density monitor of the solar plasma. Absolute line fluxes from these ions at earth distance have been computed and compared with values obtained using various satellite and rocket measurements