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Molecular hydrogen formation by excited atom radiative associationThe results from a semiclassical calculation of the thermal rate coefficient for the radiative association process H(n = 2) + H(n = 1) - H2 + hv are presented (n is the principal quantum number of the separated hydrogen atoms). The relative importance of this reaction in various environments is briefly discussed. Models of the early universe around the epoch of recombination and protostellar winds have been calculated which include the excited atom process. Not surprisingly, it is shown that the excited atom process will not be important in the general interstellar medium, except possibly in environments where the amount of Ly-alpha photon trapping is large. Examples may be the material surrounding quasars, active galactic nuclei, and bright H II regions. The most likely application of this process might be within rapidly evolving systems where a large transient n = 2 population of neutral hydrogen could result in a burst of molecular hydrogen formation.
Document ID
19910050091
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Latter, William B.
(Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics; Toronto, University Canada; Steward Observatory, Tucson, AZ, United States)
Black, John H.
(Steward Observatory Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 372
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
91A34714
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2255
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-763
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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