Recombination of H-2 by Raman association in the early universe

Abstract

Contains fulltext : 35447.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)We investigate the contribution that Raman association makes to H-2 production in the early universe at redshifts 10 <= z <= 10(4). The Raman process involves inelastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation off two colliding hydrogen atoms, taking away kinetic and binding energy and leaving bound H-2. We calculate the inelastic cross sections and rate coefficients for this process and determine the Raman association rate in the cosmic background radiation field present during the early stages of the universe. A comparison with other H-2-forming reactions is made