STARK-BROADENING OF H-BETA - WINGS CALCULATION

Starting from the quantum one-perturber theory, the 'exact resonance' approximation is used. This accounts exactly for the long range dipole interaction. The validity of this approximation is analysed. In contrast to usual dipole semiclassical approaches, it is found that dipolar quantum calculations give an asymmetry to the wings that is in good agreement with measurements of Preston (1977). This is because the full quantum approach provides a proper dynamical treatment of the electron-atom interaction.