The 1D-3P transition in atomic oxygen induced by collisions with atomic hydrogen

Abstract

The rate constant for the deexcitation of 1D state of O I is calculated. The transition from the 1D to the 3P state is produced through collisions with H I. The probability of moving from one state to the next is analyzed by means of the Landau-Zener theory, with the rate constant being obtained by integrating the cross section of probabilities over all possible impact parameters, velocities, and a Maxwell-Boltzmann temperature distribution. The computations are restricted to the crossing near nu = 5 in the A 2Sigma(+) state, and account is taken of uncertainty in the calculations. Consideration is given to 6300 A emission in shocked neutral gas, with cooling of the gas occurring through O I emission at 6300 A. The H I collisions are found to be equally as effective as electron collisions, a factor which is significant in studying shocked gases such as found near Herbig-Haro objects.