Database for inelastic collisions of lithium atoms with electrons, protons, and multiply charged ions

New experimental and theoretical cross-section data for inelastic collision processes of Li atoms in the ground state and excited states (up to n = 4) with electrons, protons, and multiply charged ions have been reported since the database assembled by Wutte et al. [ATOMIC DATA AND NUCLEAR DATA TABLES 65, 155, 1997] was published. These new data were included in a process of critical data assessment and led to the creation of a new database for the modeling of energetic lithium beams probing fusion edge plasmas. The electron-impact part of the present database covers excitation and ionization, the data having been extended by advanced close-coupling calculations which provide a new standard of quality especially for transitions between excited states. The heavy-particle impact processes include excitation and electron removal (the sum of ionization and electron capture). Hitherto, ion-impact excitation cross sections for lithium (except for the main Li(2s --> 2p) process) were based on scaling relations using the corresponding electron-impact cross sections. We have now performed large-scale atomic orbital close-coupling calculations for a large number of excitation processes as well as new measurements toward development of the new database. The recommended cross sections for the considered processes have been fitted to simple analytic expressions. The analytic-fit expressions and the tables of the parameters entering these analytic fits are here presented. We also present the recommended cross sections in graphical form together with the underlying experimental cross section data if available. (C) 1999 Academic Press.