Electron-impact excitation of OII fine-structure levels

Effective collision strengths for forbidden transitions among the five energetically lowest fine-structure levels of OII are calculated in the Breit-Pauli approximation using the R-matrix method. Results are presented for the electron temperature range 100-100000 K. The accuracy of the calculations is evaluated via the use of different types of radial orbital sets and a different configuration expansion basis for the target wavefunctions. A detailed assessment of previous available data is given, and erroneous results are highlighted. Our results reconfirm the validity of the original Seaton and Osterbrock scaling for the optical OII ratio, a matter of some recent controversy. Finally, we present plasma diagnostic diagrams using the best collision strengths and transition probabilities.

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Don Osterbrock (1924-2007) and Mike Seaton (1923-2007), who first calibrated the OII density indicator, and did so much to advance the study of nebulae.

E-mail: R.Kisielius@itpa.lt