Processes of
(n – n')-mixing in collisions of
Rydberg H
(n)
atoms
with H(1s) in the Solar atmosphere
1
Institute of Physics, PO Box 57, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro e-mail: mihajlov@phy.bg.ac.yu
2
Institute Isaac Newton of Chile, Yugoslavia Branch, and Universidad Diego Portales, Chile
3
Astronomical Observatory, Volgina 7, 11160 Belgrade 74, Serbia and Montenegro
Received:
13
January
2005
Accepted:
17
March
2005
The significance of 
-mixing processes in
s) collisions, for the principal quantum number 
, in the Solar photosphere and lower chromosphere has been
investigated. These processes have been treated by the mechanism
of resonant energy exchange within the electron component of the
considered collision system. These processes must have significant
influence in comparison with corresponding electron-atom collision
processes on the populations of hydrogen Rydberg atoms in weakly
ionized layers of the Solar atmosphere (ionization degree of the
order of 10-4). From the results obtained it follows that the
examined -mixing processes have to be included in any
modelling and investigation of Solar plasma, especially in the
region of the temperature minimum in the Solar photosphere.
Key words: atomic processes / molecular processes / Sun: atmosphere
© ESO, 2005