We describe a new atomic and molecular database we developed for use in the spectral synthesis code Cloudy. The design of Stout is driven by the data needs of Cloudy, which simulates molecular, atomic, and ionized gas with kinetic temperatures 2.8 K
< T < 1e10 K and densities spanning the low to high-density limits. The radiation field between photon energies $10^{-8}$ Ry and 100 MeV is considered, along with all atoms and ions of the lightest 30 elements, and ~100 molecules. For ease of maintenance, the data are stored in a format as close as possible to the original data sources. Few data sources include the full range of data we need. We describe how we fill in the gaps in the data or extrapolate rates beyond their tabulated range. We tabulate data sources both for the atomic spectroscopic parameters and for collision data for the next release of Cloudy. This is not intended as a review of the current status of atomic data, but rather a description of the features of the database which we will build upon.
Effective collision strengths for forbidden transitions among the 5 energetically lowest finestructure levels of O II are calculated in the Breit-Pauli approximation using the R-matrix method. Results are presented for the electron temperature range
100 to 100 000 K. The accuracy of the calculations is evaluated via the use of different types of radial orbital sets and a different configuration expansion basis for the target wavefunctions. A detailed assessment of previous available data is given, and erroneous results are highlighted. Our results reconfirm the validity of the original Seaton and Osterbrock scaling for the optical O II ratio, a matter of some recent controversy. Finally we present plasma diagnostic diagrams using the best collision strengths and transition probabilities.
