Atomic Data for X-ray Astrophysics

Abstract

We review the available atomic data used for interpreting and modeling X-ray observations. The applications for these data can be divided into several levels of detail, ranging from compilations which can be used with direct inspection of raw data, such as line finding lists, to synthetic spectra which attempt to fit to an entire observed dataset simultaneously. This review covers cosmic sources driven by both electron ionization and photoionization and touches briefly on planetary surfaces and atmospheres. We review all of this, the applications to X-ray astronomy, the available data, recommendations for astronomical users, and attempt to point out the applications where the shortcomings are greatest