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) was invited to contribute the book's first chapter.

In this chapter, the IMP researchers focus on Quantum State Selection in Low-Energy High-Charge-State Ion–Atom Collisions. They introduce 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 multi-discipline research with highly charged ions and the Electron Beam Ion Source Platform.

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

In recent years, significant breakthroughs have been made in international X-ray astronomical observations. Accurately interpreting interactions among supernova remnants, stellar winds, and the interstellar medium urgently requires extensive cross-section data from high-charge-state atomic collisions, as well as 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 not only help resolve fundamental questions in atomic collisions and advance accurate astrophysical modeling, but also 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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/9789819824786_0001

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