Dissociation of the hydrogen molecule by electron impact
The electron-impact dissociation cross sections of the H2 molecule have been calculated for the processes leading to H(1s)+H(1s) and to H(1s)+H(2s) by means of the Born-Rudge and Born-Ochkur methods. In addition to direct excitation to the repulsive b 3Σu+ state for the first process, cross sections are also computed for excitation of the discrete levels of the a 3Σg+, c 3Piu, d 3Piu, and e 3Σu+ states in order to account for cascades. These two mechanisms are found to be of equal importance. The second process is found to proceed mainly through excitation of the B' 1Σu+ state except near the threshold where e 3Σ/subu/+ is an important contributor. The theoretical cross sections are in reasonably good agreement with experimental data for the first process. The cross sections of the second process account for nearly two-thirds of the measured cross sections of H(2s) - atom production by electron impact. The difference is attributed mainly to predissociation and dissociative excitation through the doubly excited states.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-33-004023
- OSTI ID:
- 4198322
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review, A (General Physics), Journal Name: Physical Review, A (General Physics) Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 12; ISSN PLRAAN; ISSN 0556-2791
- Publisher:
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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