Advancing solar and heliospheric science through the ongoing development and support of atomic and laboratory plasma physics

As we move towards observing the Sun at higher spatio-temporal resolutions, and near-continuously at a range of wavelengths, it becomes critical to develop the appropriate atomic data and physics tools to facilitate scientific progress.

We recommend the continued improvement and expansion of current databases to support the development of optically-thick/radiative transfer models, evaluate non-thermal and non-equilibrium ionization effects, and quantify uncertainties in atomic and molecular values. A critical long-term goal will require extending and strengthening collaborations across the atomic, solar/heliospheric, and laboratory plasma physics communities through the participation and training of early career scientists.