Electron-impact ionization of metastable neon

Ionization out of metastable states can dominate the total electron-impact ionization rate for many atomic systems. However, there have been few advanced close-coupling calculations of ionization of metastable atoms. In this paper, we report on an R-matrix with pseudostates (RMPS) calculation of ionization from the 2p(5)3s(3)P term of neon. Within the experimental systematic uncertainties, our RMPS cross section is in agreement with the measurements by Johnston et al (1996 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 29 531) for ionization from the P-3(0) and P-3(2) metastable levels. In addition, we have carried out a configuration-average time-dependent close-coupling (TDCC) calculation of ionization from the 2p(5)3s configuration of neon and we find that the TDCC results agree well with RMPS cross sections, further supporting the accuracy of these advanced close-coupling methods. Finally, we have performed a distorted-wave calculation of the ionization cross section of metastable neon, and by comparing it with the RMPS results, we assess the effects of interchannel coupling on this cross section.