Calculated vibrational excitation rates for electron - Formula collisions

Abstract

Molecular R-matrix calculations are performed at a range of energies to give vibrational excitation cross-sections and hence rates for electron collisions with H 2 + . Results are presented for the v=0→1, 0→2 and 1→2 excitations for electron temperatures up to 20 000 K. De-excitation rates and critical density are also studied. The vibrational motion is considered within an adiabatic model; an estimate is given for non-adiabatic effects. Our results suggest that the v=0→1 rate peaks at 7.2×10 −9 cm 3 s −1 for an electron temperature of 8000 K