Conversion of nuclear spin isomers of water molecules under ultracold conditions of space

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2019 · Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1070/QEL17006· OSTI ID:23004960

The conversion rate of nuclear spin isomers of water molecules in space is calculated using the model of quantum relaxation in the absence of particle collisions. The model is based on the intramolecular mixing of the ortho and para states of H{sub 2}O by the spin-rotation interaction and on the interruption of the mixing by radiative transitions of a molecule in a thermal radiation field. The lifetime of water isomers at a thermal radiation temperature T = 50 K is ∼2 × 10{sup 7} years, and at a temperature T = 100 K it is 3 × 10{sup 6} years. The lifetimes of the spin isomers of water molecules are found to be large, but still smaller, for example, than the age of the Solar System. The proposed process of conversion of the spin isomers of water molecules is important for areas of space with low (n < 1 cm{sup −3}) particle concentrations. (paper)

• OSTI ID: 23004960
• Journal Information: Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.), Journal Name: Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.) Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 49; ISSN 1063-7818; ISSN QUELEZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
COLLISIONS
CONCENTRATION RATIO
ISOMERS
MOLECULES
ROTATION
SPIN
THERMAL RADIATION
WATER