This program of research in atomic physics is exploring ionization of atomic systems by electromagnetic radiation and charged particles. Particular aspects of these collisions being explored are the radiative ionization of non-spherical atoms, relativistic effects in the ionization of heavy atoms, and the ionization of atoms in excited states. Crucial to these studies are calculations of spectra of ejected electrons, which gives insight into the deposition of energy by radiation in matter. The results of these calculations will provide insight into the nature of fundamental atomic processes which are of importance in plasma physics and controlled thermonuclear research, atmospheric, solar, and astrophysics, radiation and radiological physics and therapy, and for studies of possible x-ray and nuclear-pumped laser mechanisms.
