Benchmark calculations for electron impact ionization and ionization-excitation of magnesium

We compare results of various numerical calculations for electron impact ionization of the ground state Mg (3s2) leading to the final ionic ground state Mg+(3s) or the excited ionic states Mg+(3p, 4s, 3d). Although our numerical results exhibit some model dependence, especially for small values of the triple-differential cross section, we cannot resolve the significant differences between experiment and theory reported by Bolognesi et al. [J. Phys. B 41 (2008) 065203]. Extensive theoretical modeling allows us to identify possible sources of this strong disagreement and to suggest future investigations. PACS numbers: 34.80.Dp Electronic address: [email protected]; Permanent address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311, USA Electronic address: [email protected] Electronic address: [email protected] Electronic address: [email protected]