A new book titled Review of Light and Heavy Particle Collisions with Atoms and Molecules has lately been published by World Scientific. The Extreme Collision Dynamics Research Team from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) contributed the first chapter.

In their chapter, the IMP researchers focused on quantum state selection in low-energy, high-charge-state ion-atom collisions. They introduced cutting-edge advances and core challenges in the strong-perturbation collision dynamics of high-charge-state ions based on high-precision experiments conducted at the 320 kV platform for multidisciplinary research with highly charged ions and the electron beam ion source platform.

The authors also provided an in-depth discussion of the critical diagnostic role of high-charge-state atomic physics in studying astrophysical processes such as solar coronal mass ejections.

Significant breakthroughs have recently been made in international X-ray astronomical observations. Accurately interpreting the interactions between supernova remnants, stellar winds, and the interstellar medium requires extensive cross-section data from high-charge-state atomic collisions and high-precision spectroscopic data. Laboratories worldwide are actively advancing related experimental measurements.

"Conducting in-depth experimental research on atomic physics with highly charged ions using China's ion accelerator facilities is therefore of great significance," said Dr. ZHANG Ruitian of IMP, the chapter's first author and corresponding author. "These efforts will help resolve fundamental questions in atomic collisions and advance accurate astrophysical modeling, and provide strong support for the development of related fields in China."

Edited by Prof. Dževad Belkić, an internationally renowned expert in atomic physics and a senior professor at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the book compiles important recent work in particle–atom collision physics from 11 active research teams worldwide. It serves as a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in atomic and molecular physics, plasma science, and radiation medicine.

The cover of Review of Light and Heavy Particle Collisions with Atoms and Molecules (Image from World Scientific)