RADIATIVE ASSOCIATION OF LIH(X(1)SIGMA(+)) FROM ELECTRONICALLY EXCITED LITHIUM ATOMS

Full quantum calculations are carried out for the collisional processe s involving H atoms in their ground electronic state and electronicall y excited lithium atoms, Li(1s(2)2p). The channels that are being cons idered are those leading to the formation of bound rotovibrational sta tes of LiH(X (1) Sigma(+)). The effects of both the specific features of the involved electronic potential-energy curves and of the transiti on moments coupling bound and continuum states during the process are studied in relation to the low-energy behavior of the corresponding cr oss sections. The role of the multitude of open channel resonances on the final rate constants is also analyzed and discussed over a broad r ange of bath temperatures.