Formula for ionization potential reduction

[Goldhelmeth]

Homework Statement

Calculate the ionization potential reduction of He1+ in the framework of the Bohr model and
interpret the results concerning the existence of ground and excited states:
a) in the center of the sun,
b) for the average density of the sun at kTe=1300 eV.

Relevant Equations

*see images

Hello,

Firstly I am not sure of understanding the problem, I believe that this reduction is related to a high density plasma where the free electrons are very close to the ions and so the ions cannot be considered as separate bodies... I also believe it affects the ground energy state of electrons inside hydrogen like atoms (helium +1).
For solving this problem I found that every solutions used the Stewart and Pyatt model. This model uses the debeye lengh. But as you can see it uses an other model... I wished I could provide more to the community to start with but I have been on this problem for hours and I cannot find annything...

Thank you for any help you may provide !

 

[Vinh Nguyen]

Firstly, I think we can solve the ionization potential of He1+ at ground state (1) easily with the Bohr model, as the atom now have 1 nucleus (with 2 protons) and 1 electron, similar to the Hydro atom with a larger nucleus.

In the sun, I understand that ionized gas (He1+) located in an electric field (a gas discharge plasma) is not an equilibrium system, therefore the Helium atoms might now "ground" at the new excited state, and we can calculate the corresponding ionization potential for both a) and b), thus deriving the reduction in ionization potential by subtracting (1). Although I'm not equipped with enough knowledge to determine the new excited state that of He1+ in a) and b), I think you can visit "Excitation of helium atoms in collisions with plasma electrons in an electric field " by Smirnov, B. M. (2013) to research more on the problem.