Charge Transfer Processes in Astrophysical Plasmas.
Abstract
Charge transfer recombination and ionization processes which occur in astrophysical plasmas are investigated. The electronic structure and the couplings which describe the reactions quantum mechanically are studied via the methods of quantum chemistry. Calculations are presented for most astrophysically important charge transfer processes. The significance of each of the couplings which can induce charge transfer is discussed. Rate coefficients calculated by a variety of means are presented, and simple methods based upon the full quantal results are developed to allow the estimation of other rate coefficients. The significance of the process for a wide variety of astronomical objects is pointed out, and the specific effects of charge transfer upon the determination of the neon abundance in planetary nebulae, astrophysical shocks, and the interpretation of the spectral lines of silicon ions are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- February 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979PhDT........16B
- Keywords:
-
- Physics: Astronomy and Astrophysics;
- Charge Transfer;
- Plasma Chemistry;
- Plasmas (Physics);
- Atomic Structure;
- Ionization;
- Neon;
- Quantum Chemistry;
- Astrophysics