Theory of the first-order Stark broadening by ions and electrons.

Abstract

view Abstract Citations References Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Theory of the first-order Stark broadening by ions and electrons. Koib, Alan C. Abstract The instantaneous local electric field of an ensemble of ions and electrons removes the degeneracy in a hydrogenic energy level. In the wings of the Balmer lines, where the separation of the Stark components is large, we treat the perturbing field in the adiabatic approximation. The ions and electrons are assumed to have classical paths and the perturbation due to the entire ensemble of ions and electrons is introduced directly into the adiabatic theory. The resulting Fourier integral is expressed in series form and it is found that the electrons and ions are equally important in forming the Balmer line wings. In the limit of zero electron density the series reduces to the Holtsmark distribution. In the limit of zero ion density the radial Cauchy distribution is obtained, in contrast to the usual dispersion line shape. In addition, the electron half- width parameter is numerically different than is obtained by Unsbld. According to this calculation the general effect of the electrons is to depress the central intensity and to increase the intensity on the wings relative to the Holtsmark distribution for ions alone. These features have been observed in Balmer line profiles obtained in the University of Michigan shock tube and at Kiel by H. Griem. This research was partially supported by the Air Research and Development Command. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: 1955 DOI: 10.1086/107153 Bibcode: 1955AJ.....60R.166K full text sources ADS |