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

Original · EN

We present the theory of radiative association of atoms and molecules, and we apply it to the (H₂-H-) van der Waals complex. We discuss the possibility for the H₃- ion to be formed in the interstellar medium in an environment with abundant ionized molecular hydrogen H₂+. The observation of H₃- would also be a probe for the presence of H- in the interstellar medium. By computing the electronic structure of the H₃- 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.