Hα and Hβ emission cross sections for low‐energy H and H+ collisions with N2 and O2

Abstract

Absolute cross sections for the emission of Balmer alpha and Balmer beta radiations from H and H+ collisions with N2 and O2 are reported. The H and H+ projectile energies ranged between about 50 eV and 2.5 keV. For projectile energies above 300 eV, the contributions to these radiations from decay of the long‐lived 3s and 4s excited states of hydrogen were resolved. The emission cross sections for the case of H atom impact were found to be substantially larger than those for H+ impact. The results are discussed within the context of their application to analysis of the hydrogen aurora.