Published by
EDP Sciences
EDP Sciences Journals List
Subscriber Authentication Point
Home All issues Volume 464/ 3 Article
Free access

This article has an erratum: [erratum]

Issue A&A
Volume 464, Number 3, March IV 2007
Page(s) 1147 - 1154
Section Atomic, molecular, and nuclear data
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20066112



A&A 464, 1147-1154 (2007)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20066112

Rotational excitation of HC $\mathsf{_3}$N by H $\mathsf{_2}$ and He at low temperatures

M. Wernli, L. Wiesenfeld, A. Faure, and P. Valiron

Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de l'Observatoire de Grenoble, UMR 5571 CNRS/UJF, Université Joseph-Fourier, Boîte postale 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France
    e-mail: laurent.wiesenfeld@obs.ujf-grenoble.fr

(Received 26 July 2006 / Accepted 20 November 2006)

Abstract
Aims.Rates for rotational excitation of ${\rm HC_3N}$ by collisions with He atoms and H2 molecules are computed for kinetic temperatures in the range 5-20 K and 5-100 K, respectively.
Methods.These rates are obtained from extensive quantum and quasi-classical calculations using new accurate potential energy surfaces (PES). The ${\rm HC_3N}$-He PES is in excellent agreement with the recent literature. The ${\rm HC_3N}$-H2 angular dependence is approximated using 5 independent H2 orientations. An accurate angular expansion of both PES suitable for low energy scattering is achieved despite the severe steric hindrance effects by the ${\rm HC_3N}$ rod.
Results.The rod-like symmetry of the PES strongly favours even $\Delta J$ transfers and efficiently drives large $\Delta J$ transfers. Despite the large dipole moment of ${\rm HC_3N}$, rates involving ortho-H2 are very similar to those involving para-H2, because of the predominance of the geometry effects. Except for the even $\Delta J$ propensity rule, quasi classical calculations are in excellent agreement with close coupling quantum calculations. As a first application, we present a simple steady-state population model that shows population inversions for the lowest HC3N levels at H2 densities in the range 104-106 cm-3.
Conclusions.The ${\rm HC_3N}$ molecule is large enough to present an original collisional behaviour where steric hindrance effects hide the details of the interaction. This finding, combined with the fair accuracy of quasi classical rate calculations, is promising in view of collisional studies of larger molecules.


Key words: molecular data -- molecular processes



© ESO 2007

What is OpenURL?

The OpenURL standard is a protocol for transmission of metadata describing the resource that you wish to access. An OpenURL link contains article metadata and directs it to the OpenURL server of your choice. The OpenURL server can provide access to the resource and also offer complementary services (specific search engine, export of references...). The OpenURL link can be generated by different means.
  • If your librarian has set up your subscription with an OpenURL resolver, OpenURL links appear automatically on the abstract pages.
  • You can define your own OpenURL resolver with your EDPS Account. In this case your choice will be given priority over that of your library.
  • You can use an add-on for your browser (Firefox or I.E.) to display OpenURL links on a page (see http://www.openly.com/openurlref/). You should disable this module if you wish to use the OpenURL server that you or your library have defined.