Application of the generalized theory of stark broadening to experimental highly-excited Balmer lines from a radio-frequency discharge

Experimental widths of high-n hydrogen Balmer lines H-n (n = 6-12), emitted from a radiofrequency discharge (T = 1850 K and N-e = 1.2 x 10(13) cm(-3)) , are systematically lower (up to 20%) than predicted by the Kepple-Griem ( KG) line broadening theory [1]. This motivated a new theoretical analysis f or Stark broadening of hydrogen lines allowing for direct and indirect coup lings of the electron and ion microfields, as well as developing a rigorous analytical treatment of the ion dynamics. The theory was applied in two ve rsions: one - using conventional, statistical intensities of Stark componen ts, and another - using dynamical intensities accounting for the lifetime o f the substate. It was found that while both versions are in a better agree ment with the experiment than the KG theory, the dynamical-intensity versio n results in the best agreement: its rms discrepancy with the experimental widths was 5%.