Open AccessHyperfine excitation of CN by He
Author(s) -
Lique F.,
Kłos J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society: letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.067
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1745-3933
pISSN - 1745-3925
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2011.01023.x
Subject(s) - hyperfine structure , excitation , atomic physics , spectral line , emission spectrum , range (aeronautics) , physics , molecule , collisional excitation , interpretation (philosophy) , materials science , astronomy , ion , quantum mechanics , composite material , ionization , computer science , programming language
Modelling of molecular emission spectra from interstellar clouds requires the calculation of rates for excitation by collisions with the most‐abundant species. We calculate hyperfine structure resolved excitation rate coefficients of the cyano radical (CN) by He. State‐to‐state rate coefficients between the 37 lowest hyperfine levels of CN were calculated for low temperatures in the range 5–30 K. The new rate coefficients will help significantly in the interpretation of the CN emission lines observed with current and future telescopes, and enable this molecule to become a powerful astrophysical tool.