The rate coefficients for the processes of (n -n′)-mixing in collisions of Rydberg atoms H*(n) with H(1s) atoms

Abstract

This paper presents the results of semi-classical calculations of rate coefficients of (n-n′)-mixing processes in collisions of Rydberg atoms H*(n) with H(1s) atoms. These processes have been modelled by the mechanism of the resonant energy exchange within the electron component of the H*(n) + H collisional system. The calculations of the rate coefficients, based on this model, were performed for the series of principal quantum numbers, n and n′, and atomic, T a , and electronic, T e , temperatures. It was shown that these processes can be of significant influence on the populations of Rydberg atoms in weakly ionized plasmas (ionization degree ≲10 -4 ), and therefore have to be included in appropriate models of such plasmas.