Classical and quantum theories of the polarization bremsstrahlung in the local electron density model

Classical and quantum theories of polarization bremsstrahlung in a statisti cal (Thomas-Fermi) potential of complex atoms and ions are developed. The b asic assumptions of the theories correspond to the approximations employed earlier in classical and quantum calculations of ordinary bremsstrahlung in a static potential. This makes it possible to study on a unified basis the contribution of both channels in the radiation taking account of their int erference. The classical model makes it possible to obtain simple universal formulas for the spectral characteristics of the radiation. The theory is applied to electrons with moderate energies, which are characteristic for p lasma applications, specifically, radiation from electrons on the argon-lik e ion KII at frequencies close to its ionization potential. The computation al results show the importance of taking account of the polarization channe l of the radiation for plasma with heavy ions. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interpe riodica".