Formation of excited states in high-Z helium like systems

High-Z helium like ions represent the simplest multi electron systems for studying the interplay between electron–electron correlations, relativistic as well as quantum electrodynamical effects in strong fields. In contrast to the adjacent lithium like ions, however, almost no experimental information is available about the excited states in the high-Z domain of the helium sequence. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the X ray production and decay dynamics of the excited states in helium like uranium. Emphasis has been paid particularly to the formation of the 3P0 and 3P2 levels by using electron capture into hydrogen like U91+. Both states are of interest for precise measurements on high-Z helium like ions in the future.