Hydrogen recombination due to collisions with He and Ar

Quantum-mechanical calculations are reported for hydrogen recombination in the presence of a chemically inert spectator. The calculations employ a square integrable Sturmian basis set to provide a discrete representation of the H ₂ continuum. Direct three-body recombination is approximated by computing transitions from the nonresonant continuum. Resonant and nonresonant states are handled on equal footing within the sequential two-step energy transfer mechanism. Theoretical rate coefficients are computed within the equilibrium and steady-state approximations for the density of intermediate molecules. The results are compared with existing experimental data for He and Ar. The sensitivity of the calculations to pressure variations and to changes in the potential energy surface are investigated for He. The reliability of these calculations and their relevance for astrophysical models are discussed.