The photoionization contribution to the radiation absorption coefficient of air

Abstract The photoelectric absorption coefficients of N, O, and air have been computed for temperatures 1 to 20 eV, densities ∼ 10 -5 times normal to normal, and photon energies 1 eV to 1 keV. The photoionization cross-section near threshold was evaluated by the method of Burgess and Seaton and continued into a high energy acceleration Born approximation utilizing Hartree-Fock-Slater bound state wave functions. The edge-shift due to electron collision broadening was included. The absorption coefficients so obtained are compared with results of previous calculations.