On the theory of H2 rotational excitation

A number of mechanisms for exciting higher-J states in the ground vibrational level are considered. Attention is given to collisions with H atoms and electrons. Other mechanisms involve a cascading down from upper vibrational levels, following absorption and reemission of photons in the Lyman and Werner bands, or a cascading down from upper vibrational levels, following formation of hydrogen molecules in excited vibrational and rotational levels. Theoretical population densities of rotational levels are shown in a graph.