PREDISSOCIATION OF H-2 IN THE 3P-PI-D (1)PI(U)(+) STATE

A noniterative eigenchannel R-matrix approach, combined with the quant um-defect method, is formulated to describe the predissociation of H-2 in the Rydberg state 3ppiD 1PI(u)+ by the low-lying 3psigmaB' 1SIGMA( u)+ and 2ppiC 1PI(u)+ states belonging to the same Rydberg channel. Th e Coriolis coupling leading to the dissociation has been accounted for by a rovibrational frame transformation. The predissociation line pos itions and widths for the v = 3 to v = 11 levels have been calculated. Very good agreement between experiment and theory is obtained.