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2008
Santos, J. P., M. C. Martins, A. M. Costa, P. Indelicato, and F. Parente. "X-ray spectra emitted by Cl14+ ions in ECRIS plasmas." Vacuum 82 (2008): 1522-1524. AbstractWebsite
We study the contribution of the most important processes leading to the creation of excited states of Cl14+ ions from the ground configurations of Cl ions in an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS), which lead to the emission of K X-ray lines. Theoretical values for inner-shell excitation, K and KL ionization cross-sections, and energies and transition probabilities for the de-excitation processes are calculated in the framework of the Multi-Configuration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) method. With reasonable assumptions about the electron energy distribution, a theoretical K[alpha] X-ray spectrum is obtained, which reproduces closely a recent experimental result.
Santos, J. P., M. C. Martins, A. M. Costa, P. Indelicato, and F. Parente. "X-ray spectra emitted by Cl14+ ions in ECRIS plasmas." Vacuum 82 (2008): 1522-1524. AbstractWebsite

We study the contribution of the most important processes leading to the creation of excited states of Cl14+ ions from the ground configurations of Cl ions in an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS), which lead to the emission of K X-ray lines. Theoretical values for inner-shell excitation, K and KL ionization cross-sections, and energies and transition probabilities for the de-excitation processes are calculated in the framework of the Multi-Configuration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) method. With reasonable assumptions about the electron energy distribution, a theoretical K[alpha] X-ray spectrum is obtained, which reproduces closely a recent experimental result.

2009
Guerra, M., F. Parente, and J. P. Santos. "Electron impact ionization of atomic target inner-shells." Journal of Physics: Conference Series 194 (2009): 042047. AbstractWebsite
There is a need for reliable theoretical methods to calculate electron-impact total ionization cross sections for the large number of neutral atoms and ions with open shell structures. These cross sections are used in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications, such as astrophysical plasmas, atmospheric science, X-ray lasers, magnetic fusion, radiation physics, semiconductor fabrication, accelerator physics and tumor therapy physics. The binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) model [1], using an analytic formula that requires only two atomic constants, the binding energy and kinetic energy of the electrons, generates direct ionization cross sections for any neutral atom (or molecule), which are reliable in intensity (15%) and shape from the ionization threshold to a few keV in the incident energy [3], or to thousands keV if we consider its relativistic version(RBEB) [2]. In this work we present K- and L-shell ionization cross sections calculations for heavy atoms.
Guerra, M., F. Parente, and J. P. Santos. "Electron impact ionization of atomic target inner-shells." Journal of Physics: Conference Series 194 (2009): 042047. AbstractWebsite

There is a need for reliable theoretical methods to calculate electron-impact total ionization cross sections for the large number of neutral atoms and ions with open shell structures. These cross sections are used in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications, such as astrophysical plasmas, atmospheric science, X-ray lasers, magnetic fusion, radiation physics, semiconductor fabrication, accelerator physics and tumor therapy physics. The binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) model [1], using an analytic formula that requires only two atomic constants, the binding energy and kinetic energy of the electrons, generates direct ionization cross sections for any neutral atom (or molecule), which are reliable in intensity (15%) and shape from the ionization threshold to a few keV in the incident energy [3], or to thousands keV if we consider its relativistic version(RBEB) [2]. In this work we present K- and L-shell ionization cross sections calculations for heavy atoms.

Surzhykov, A., J. P. Santos, P. Amaro, and P. Indelicato. "Negative-continuum effects on the two-photon decay rates of hydrogenlike ions." Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) 80 (2009): 052511. AbstractWebsite
Two-photon decay of hydrogenlike ions is studied within the framework of second-order perturbation theory, based on the relativistic Dirac's equation. Special attention is paid to the effects arising from the summation over the negative-energy (intermediate virtual) states that occur in such a framework. In order to investigate the role of these states, detailed calculations have been carried out for the 2s1/2–>1s1/2 and 2p1/2–>1s1/2 transitions in neutral hydrogen H as well as for hydrogenlike xenon Xe53+ and uranium U91+ ions. We found that for a correct evaluation of the total and energy-differential decay rates, summation over the negative-energy part of Dirac's spectrum should be properly taken into account both for high-Z and low-Z atomic systems.
Surzhykov, A., J. P. Santos, P. Amaro, and P. Indelicato. "Negative-continuum effects on the two-photon decay rates of hydrogenlike ions." Physical Review A 80 (2009): 052511. AbstractWebsite

Two-photon decay of hydrogenlike ions is studied within the framework of second-order perturbation theory, based on the relativistic Dirac's equation. Special attention is paid to the effects arising from the summation over the negative-energy (intermediate virtual) states that occur in such a framework. In order to investigate the role of these states, detailed calculations have been carried out for the 2s1/2-->1s1/2 and 2p1/2-->1s1/2 transitions in neutral hydrogen H as well as for hydrogenlike xenon Xe53+ and uranium U91+ ions. We found that for a correct evaluation of the total and energy-differential decay rates, summation over the negative-energy part of Dirac's spectrum should be properly taken into account both for high-Z and low-Z atomic systems.

Martins, M. C., J. P. Marques, A. M. Costa, J. P. Santos, F. Parente, S. Schlesser, Le E. - O. Bigot, and P. Indelicato. "Production and decay of sulfur excited species in an electron-cyclotron-resonance ion-source plasma." Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) 80 (2009): 032501. AbstractWebsite
The most important processes for the creation of S12+ to S14+ ions excited states from the ground configurations of S9+ to S14+ ions in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source, leading to the emission of K x-ray lines, are studied. Theoretical values for inner-shell excitation and ionization cross sections, including double-KL and triple-KLL ionizations, transition probabilities and energies for the de-excitation processes, are calculated in the framework of the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method. With reasonable assumptions about the electron energy distribution, a theoretical Kalpha x-ray spectrum is obtained, which is compared to recent experimental data.
Martins, M. C., J. P. Marques, A. M. Costa, J. P. Santos, F. Parente, S. Schlesser, E. O. Le Bigot, and P. Indelicato. "Production and decay of sulfur excited species in an electron-cyclotron-resonance ion-source plasma." Physical Review A 80 (2009): 032501. AbstractWebsite

The most important processes for the creation of S12+ to S14+ ions excited states from the ground configurations of S9+ to S14+ ions in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source, leading to the emission of K x-ray lines, are studied. Theoretical values for inner-shell excitation and ionization cross sections, including double-KL and triple-KLL ionizations, transition probabilities and energies for the de-excitation processes, are calculated in the framework of the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method. With reasonable assumptions about the electron energy distribution, a theoretical Kalpha x-ray spectrum is obtained, which is compared to recent experimental data.

Amaro, P., J. P. Santos, F. Parente, A. Surzhykov, and P. Indelicato. "Resonance effects on the two-photon emission from hydrogenic ions." Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) 79 (2009): 062504. AbstractWebsite
A theoretical study of the all two-photon transitions from initial bound states with ni=2,3 in hydrogenic ions is presented. High-precision values of relativistic decay rates for ions with nuclear charge in the range 1<=Z<=92 are obtained through the use of finite basis sets for the Dirac equation constructed from B splines. We also report the spectral (energy) distributions of several resonant transitions, which exhibit interesting structures, such as zeros in the emission spectrum, indicating that two-photon emission is strongly suppressed at certain frequencies. We compare two different approaches (the line profile approach and the QED approach based on the analysis of the relativistic two-loop self-energy) to regularize the resonant contribution to the decay rate. Predictions for the pure two-photon contributions obtained in these approaches are found to be in good numerical agreement.
Amaro, P., J. P. Santos, F. Parente, A. Surzhykov, and P. Indelicato. "Resonance effects on the two-photon emission from hydrogenic ions." Physical Review A 79 (2009): 062504. AbstractWebsite

A theoretical study of the all two-photon transitions from initial bound states with ni=2,3 in hydrogenic ions is presented. High-precision values of relativistic decay rates for ions with nuclear charge in the range 1<=Z<=92 are obtained through the use of finite basis sets for the Dirac equation constructed from B splines. We also report the spectral (energy) distributions of several resonant transitions, which exhibit interesting structures, such as zeros in the emission spectrum, indicating that two-photon emission is strongly suppressed at certain frequencies. We compare two different approaches (the line profile approach and the QED approach based on the analysis of the relativistic two-loop self-energy) to regularize the resonant contribution to the decay rate. Predictions for the pure two-photon contributions obtained in these approaches are found to be in good numerical agreement.

Pinto, R. M., A. A. Dias, and M. L. Costa. "Theoretical study of the molecular properties of methyl 2-azidopropionate and methyl 3-azidopropionate." Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM 894 (2009): 80-87. AbstractWebsite

An extensive conformational analysis was carried at ab initio and DFT levels of theory on two molecules - methyl 2-azidopropionate (N3CH3CHCOOCH3) and methyl 3-azidopropionate (N3CH2CH2COOCH3). In each case, the lowest energy conformers were characterized and the energy barriers between them were estimated. Ionization energies and vibrational frequencies were also computed, in order to support future spectroscopic studies with ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES) and matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy (Matrix Isolation FTIR).

2010
Surzhykov, A., A. Volotka, F. Fratini, J. P. Santos, P. Indelicato, G. Plunien, Th Stöhlker, and S. Fritzsche. "Angular correlations in the two-photon decay of heliumlike heavy ions." Physical Review A 81 (2010): 042510. AbstractWebsite
The two-photon decay of heavy, helium-like ions is investigated based on second-order perturbation theory and Dirac’s relativistic equation. Special attention has been paid to the angular emission of the two photons (i.e., how the angular correlation function depends on the shell structure of the ions in their initial and final states). Moreover, the effects from the (electric and magnetic) nondipole terms in the expansion of the electron-photon interaction are discussed. Detailed calculations have been carried out for the two-photon decay of the 1s2s1S0, 1s2s3S1, and 1s2p3P0 states of helium-like Xe52+, Au77+, and U90+ ions.
Surzhykov, A., A. Volotka, F. Fratini, J. P. Santos, P. Indelicato, G. Plunien, Th Stöhlker, and S. Fritzsche. "Angular correlations in the two-photon decay of heliumlike heavy ions." Physical Review A 81 (2010): 042510. AbstractWebsite

The two-photon decay of heavy, helium-like ions is investigated based on second-order perturbation theory and Dirac’s relativistic equation. Special attention has been paid to the angular emission of the two photons (i.e., how the angular correlation function depends on the shell structure of the ions in their initial and final states). Moreover, the effects from the (electric and magnetic) nondipole terms in the expansion of the electron-photon interaction are discussed. Detailed calculations have been carried out for the two-photon decay of the 1s2s1S0, 1s2s3S1, and 1s2p3P0 states of helium-like Xe52+, Au77+, and U90+ ions.

Pinto, R. M., A. A. Dias, M. L. Costa, and J. P. Santos. "Computational study on the ionization energies of benzyl azide and its methyl derivatives." Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM 948 (2010): 15-20. AbstractWebsite
Ionization energies of benzyl azide (BA), C6H5CH2N3, its methyl derivatives, 2-, 3- and 4-methyl benzyl azide and (1-azidoethyl)benzene (2-, 3- and 4-MBA and 1-AEB), (CH3)C6H4CH2 N3, have been calculated with several basis sets, with M¯ller-Plesset and Hartree-Fock methods. The data are compared to the ionizations energies obtained from HeI photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES) experiments, in order to support the correct assignment of the bands. The nature and character of the molecular orbitals are also discussed.
Pinto, R. M., A. A. Dias, M. L. Costa, and J. P. Santos. "Computational study on the ionization energies of benzyl azide and its methyl derivatives." Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM 948 (2010): 15-20. AbstractWebsite

Ionization energies of benzyl azide (BA), C6H5CH2N3, its methyl derivatives, 2-, 3- and 4-methyl benzyl azide and (1-azidoethyl)benzene (2-, 3- and 4-MBA and 1-AEB), (CH3)C6H4CH2 N3, have been calculated with several basis sets, with M¯ller-Plesset and Hartree-Fock methods. The data are compared to the ionizations energies obtained from HeI photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES) experiments, in order to support the correct assignment of the bands. The nature and character of the molecular orbitals are also discussed.

Pinto, R. M., R. I. Olariu, J. Lameiras, F. T. Martins, A. A. Dias, G. J. Langley, P. Rodrigues, C. D. Maycock, J. P. Santos, M. F. Duarte, M. T. Fernandez, and M. L. Costa. "Study of selected benzyl azides by UV photoelectron spectroscopy and mass spectrometry." Journal of Molecular Structure 980 (2010): 163-171. AbstractWebsite
Benzyl azide and the three methylbenzyl azides were synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry (MS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES). The electron ionization fragmentation mechanisms for benzyl azide and their methyl derivatives were studied by accurate mass measurements and linked scans at constant B/E. For benzyl azide, in order to clarify the fragmentation mechanism, labelling experiments were performed. From the mass analysis of methylbenzyl azides isomers it was possible to differentiate the isomers ortho, meta and para. The abundance and nature of the ions resulting from the molecular ion fragmentation, for the three distinct isomers of substituted benzyl azides, were rationalized in terms of the electronic properties of the substituent. Concerning the para-isomer, IRC calculations were performed at UHF/6-31G(d) level. The photoionization study of benzyl azide, with He(I) radiation, revealed five bands in the 8-21 eV ionization energies region. From every photoelectron spectrum of methylbenzyl azides isomers it has been identified seven bands, on the same range as the benzyl azide. Interpretation of the photoelectron spectra was accomplished applying Koopmans' theorem to the SCF orbital energies obtained at HF/6-311++G(d, p) level.
Pinto, R. M., R. I. Olariu, J. Lameiras, F. T. Martins, A. A. Dias, G. J. Langley, P. Rodrigues, C. D. Maycock, J. P. Santos, M. F. Duarte, M. T. Fernandez, and M. L. Costa. "Study of selected benzyl azides by UV photoelectron spectroscopy and mass spectrometry." Journal of Molecular Structure 980 (2010): 163-171. AbstractWebsite

Benzyl azide and the three methylbenzyl azides were synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry (MS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES). The electron ionization fragmentation mechanisms for benzyl azide and their methyl derivatives were studied by accurate mass measurements and linked scans at constant B/E. For benzyl azide, in order to clarify the fragmentation mechanism, labelling experiments were performed. From the mass analysis of methylbenzyl azides isomers it was possible to differentiate the isomers ortho, meta and para. The abundance and nature of the ions resulting from the molecular ion fragmentation, for the three distinct isomers of substituted benzyl azides, were rationalized in terms of the electronic properties of the substituent. Concerning the para-isomer, IRC calculations were performed at UHF/6-31G(d) level. The photoionization study of benzyl azide, with He(I) radiation, revealed five bands in the 8-21 eV ionization energies region. From every photoelectron spectrum of methylbenzyl azides isomers it has been identified seven bands, on the same range as the benzyl azide. Interpretation of the photoelectron spectra was accomplished applying Koopmans' theorem to the SCF orbital energies obtained at HF/6-311++G(d, p) level.

Santos, J. P., A. M. Costa, J. P. Marques, M. C. Martins, P. Indelicato, and F. Parente. "X-ray-spectroscopy analysis of electron-cyclotron-resonance ion-source plasmas." Physical Review A 82 (2010): 062516. AbstractWebsite
Analysis of x-ray spectra emitted by highly charged ions in an electron-cyclotron-resonance ion source (ECRIS) may be used as a tool to estimate the charge-state distribution (CSD) in the source plasma. For that purpose, knowledge of the electron energy distribution in the plasma, as well as the most important processes leading to the creation and de-excitation of ionic excited states are needed. In this work we present a method to estimate the ion CSD in an ECRIS through the analysis of the x-ray spectra emitted by the plasma. The method is applied to the analysis of a sulfur ECRIS plasma.
Santos, J. P., A. M. Costa, J. P. Marques, M. C. Martins, P. Indelicato, and F. Parente. "X-ray-spectroscopy analysis of electron-cyclotron-resonance ion-source plasmas." Physical Review A 82 (2010): 062516. AbstractWebsite

Analysis of x-ray spectra emitted by highly charged ions in an electron-cyclotron-resonance ion source (ECRIS) may be used as a tool to estimate the charge-state distribution (CSD) in the source plasma. For that purpose, knowledge of the electron energy distribution in the plasma, as well as the most important processes leading to the creation and de-excitation of ionic excited states are needed. In this work we present a method to estimate the ion CSD in an ECRIS through the analysis of the x-ray spectra emitted by the plasma. The method is applied to the analysis of a sulfur ECRIS plasma.

2011
Amaro, P., A. Surzhykov, F. Parente, P. Indelicato, and J. P. Santos. "Calculation of two-photon decay rates of hydrogen-like ions by using B-polynomials." Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical 44 (2011): 245302. AbstractWebsite
A new approach is laid out to investigate two-photon atomic transitions. It is based on the application of the finite-basis solutions constructed from the Bernstein polynomial (B-polynomial) sets. We show that such an approach provides a very promising route for the relativistic second-order (and even higher-order) calculations since it allows for analytical evaluation of the involved matrices elements. In order to illustrate possible applications of the method and to verify its accuracy, detailed calculations are performed for the 2 s 1/2 ‚Üí 1 s 1/2 transition in neutral hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions, which are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the well-established B-spline basis-set approach.
Amaro, P., A. Surzhykov, F. Parente, P. Indelicato, and J. P. Santos. "Calculation of two-photon decay rates of hydrogen-like ions by using B-polynomials." Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical 44 (2011): 245302. AbstractWebsite

A new approach is laid out to investigate two-photon atomic transitions. It is based on the application of the finite-basis solutions constructed from the Bernstein polynomial (B-polynomial) sets. We show that such an approach provides a very promising route for the relativistic second-order (and even higher-order) calculations since it allows for analytical evaluation of the involved matrices elements. In order to illustrate possible applications of the method and to verify its accuracy, detailed calculations are performed for the 2 s 1/2 ‚Üí 1 s 1/2 transition in neutral hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions, which are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the well-established B-spline basis-set approach.

Santos, J. P., A. M. Costa, M. C. Martins, P. Indelicato, and F. Parente. "K X-Ray Energies and Transition Probabilities for He-, Li- and Be-like Praseodymium ions." Journal of Physics: Conference Series Accepted (2011).
Guimarães, D., M. L. Carvalho, M. Becker, A. von Bohlen, V. Geraldes, I. Rocha, and J. P. Santos. "Lead concentration in feces and urine of exposed rats by X-ray Fluorescence and Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry." X-Ray Spectrometry In press (2011). Abstract
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Guerra, M., F. Parente, P. Indelicato, and J. P. Santos. "Modified binary encounter Bethe model for electron-impact ionization." International Journal of Mass Spectrometry Accepted (2011). Abstract

Theoretical expressions for ionization cross sections by electron impact based on the binary encounter Bethe (BEB) model, valid from ionization threshold up to relativistic energies, are proposed.The new modified BEB (MBEB) and its relativistic counterpart (MRBEB) expressions are simpler than the BEB (nonrelativistic and relativistic) expressions because they require only one atomic parameter, namely the binding energy of the electrons to be ionized, and use only one scaling term for the ionization of all sub-shells.The new models are used to calculate the K-, L- and M-shell ionization cross sections by electron impact for several atoms with Z from 6 to 83.Comparisons with all, to the best of our knowledge, available experimental data show that this model is as good or better than other models, with less complexity.

Santos, J. P., M. Guerra, and F. Parente. "New expression for the K-shell ionization." Journal of Physics: Conference Series Accepted (2011).