# Collision strengths for FIR and UV transtions in P iii and the phosphorus abundance

Collision strengths for FIR and UV transtions in P iii and the phosphorus abundance Abstract Phosphorus abundance is crucial for DNA-based extraterrestrial life in exoplanets. Atomic data for observed spectral lines of P-ions are needed for its accurate determination. We present the first calculations for collision strengths for the forbidden [P iii] fine structure transition $$3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2-3/2})$$ within the ground state at 17.9 μm , as well as allowed UV transitions in the $$3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}) \rightarrow 3s3p^2 (^2D_{3/2,5/2}, ^2S_{1/2}, ^2P_{1/2,3/2})$$ multiplets between 915-1345 Å. Collision strengths are computed using the Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method including the first 18 levels, and they exhibit extensive auto-ionizing resonance structures. In particular, the Maxwellian averaged effective collision strength for the FIR 17.9 μm transition shows a factor 3 temperature variation broadly peaking at typical nebular temperatures. Its theoretical emissivity with solar phosphorus abundance is computed relative to Hβ and found to be similar to observed intensties from planetary nebulae; the abundances derived in earlier works are 3-5 times sub-solar. The results pertain to the reported paucity of phosphorus from preferred production sites in supernovae, and abundances in planetary nebulae and supernova remnants. ISM: atoms - Interstellar Medium (ISM), Nebulae, ISM: supernova remnants, Physical Data and Processes - atomic processes, astrobiology, infrared: general © 2018 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society This article is published and distributed under the term of oxford University Press, standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/about_us/legal/notices) http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters Oxford University Press

# Collision strengths for FIR and UV transtions in P iii and the phosphorus abundance

, Volume Advance Article – Jun 5, 2018
5 pages

/lp/ou_press/collision-strengths-for-fir-and-uv-transtions-in-p-iii-and-the-miNd76NdVA
Publisher
journal_eissn:11745-3933
ISSN
1745-3925
eISSN
1745-3933
D.O.I.
10.1093/mnrasl/sly095
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

### Abstract

Abstract Phosphorus abundance is crucial for DNA-based extraterrestrial life in exoplanets. Atomic data for observed spectral lines of P-ions are needed for its accurate determination. We present the first calculations for collision strengths for the forbidden [P iii] fine structure transition $$3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2-3/2})$$ within the ground state at 17.9 μm , as well as allowed UV transitions in the $$3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}) \rightarrow 3s3p^2 (^2D_{3/2,5/2}, ^2S_{1/2}, ^2P_{1/2,3/2})$$ multiplets between 915-1345 Å. Collision strengths are computed using the Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method including the first 18 levels, and they exhibit extensive auto-ionizing resonance structures. In particular, the Maxwellian averaged effective collision strength for the FIR 17.9 μm transition shows a factor 3 temperature variation broadly peaking at typical nebular temperatures. Its theoretical emissivity with solar phosphorus abundance is computed relative to Hβ and found to be similar to observed intensties from planetary nebulae; the abundances derived in earlier works are 3-5 times sub-solar. The results pertain to the reported paucity of phosphorus from preferred production sites in supernovae, and abundances in planetary nebulae and supernova remnants. ISM: atoms - Interstellar Medium (ISM), Nebulae, ISM: supernova remnants, Physical Data and Processes - atomic processes, astrobiology, infrared: general © 2018 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society This article is published and distributed under the term of oxford University Press, standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/about_us/legal/notices)

### Journal

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: LettersOxford University Press

Published: Jun 5, 2018

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