Relativistic quantum mechanical calculations of Stark broadening data of Li-like ions for stellar and laboratory plasma investigations

ABSTRACT Previous studies on Stark broadening of lithium-like ions have reported significant discrepancies between experimental data and theoretical results, including those from advanced quantum mechanical calculations. In this work, we employ the relativistic R-matrix method to compute scattering matrices, rigorously verify their convergence, and then calculate Stark broadening parameters based on the impact approximation theory. Our results demonstrate improved agreement with experimental measurements. Furthermore, we present an improved empirical formula that accurately describes the temperature dependence of Stark broadening for 36 spectral lines from five ions, providing high-precision parameters to facilitate diagnosis and modelling of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas.