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Abstract: It is shown that theoretical Rosseland mean opacities are sensitive to spectral line shape models. Due to computational constraints, however, opacity codes typically use Voigt or Lorentz profiles. Both of these profiles have an incorrect far wing behavior that can significantly overestimate the photon absorption. A new line profile is proposed, based on second-order line broadening theory, which is both more physical and relatively fast to compute. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on recent developments with the Purgatorio code, a new implementation of Liberman''s Inferno model. This fully relativistic average atom code uses phase shift tracking and an efficient refinement scheme to provide an accurate description of continuum states. The resulting equations of state accurately represent the atomic shell-related features which are absent in Thomas–Fermi-based approaches. We discuss various representations of the exchange potential and some of the ambiguities in the choice of the effective charge Z ∗ in average atom models, both of which affect predictions of electrical conductivities and radiative properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]