Dirac R-matrix calculations in support of astrophysical and magnetically confined plasma diagnostics

The atomic data computed for gold and platinum is relevant in astrophysical plasma diagnostics, specifically in the study of neutron star mergers as the origin of the elements heavier than iron. Doubly ionised tungsten has an important application to the investigation of erosion and impurity influx in magnetically confined fusion plasmas.<br><br>To accurately calculate the atomic structure data for these species the GRASP0 computer package was used.

In addition, to describe the electron-impact excitation the Dirac atomic R-matrix codes (DARC) were employed. To investigate the plasma diagnostics the collisional radiative code ColRadPy was utilised. The underlying theory informing each of these computations is discussed in detail in this thesis along with a description of the codes used.<br><br>The results of the atomic structure calculations for each of the species (Au I-III, Pt I-III, W III) will be presented and compared to experimental values for level energies and transition rates, where available.