The dielectronic recombination of Ar+–Ar4+

We present new, level-resolved rate coefficients for the dielectronic recombination of low charge states of argon (Ar+-Ar4+). The existing literature consists of either configuration-averaged distorted-wave or semi-empirical data. Level-resolved rate coefficients are necessary for accurate modeling and diagnostics in plasmas containing argon. We present our level-resolved results and compare with existing datasets, finding significant differences. We also present equilibrium ionization balance calculations using the new data, finding large differences in the predicted fractional abundances, particularly for Ar3+.