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arXiv · 0910.2330

Formation of the simplest stable negative molecular ion H3- in interstellar medium

V. Kokoouline·M. Ayouz·R. Guerout·M. Raoult·J. Robert·O. Dulieu
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Abstract

We present the theory of radiative association of atoms and molecules, and we apply it to the (H$_2$-H$^-$) van der Waals complex. We discuss the possibility for the H$_3^-$ ion to be formed in the interstellar medium in an environment with abundant ionized molecular hydrogen H$_2^+$. The observation of H$_3^-$ would also be a probe for the presence of H$^-$ in the interstellar medium. By computing the electronic structure of the H$_3^-$ ion, we determine its dipole moment, bound states, rotational constants, predissociated vibrational resonances and their lifetimes, and suggest a way to detect the ion in the interstellar medium.

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V. Kokoouline, M. Ayouz, R. Guerout, M. Raoult, J. Robert, O. Dulieu. 2009-10-13. Formation of the simplest stable negative molecular ion H3- in interstellar medium. https://arxiv.org/abs/0910.2330

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