Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
The X-ray wavelength region (1-200Å) is rich in spectral lines from highly ionised systems. Spectra from the solar atmosphere have been studied extensively with various instruments covering different wavelength regions. In this paper, we discuss the solar spectral line emission with particular reference to iron ions and helium like ions observed during solar flares. The atomic processes involved in the calculation of theoretical intensities for low density plasmas are outlined together with the diagnostic properties of the emission lines. Comparisons are made with available cosmic X-ray spectra and predicted spectra for future projects, such as AXAF.