Lifetimes of the electronic-vibrational-rotational states of hydrogen molecule (review)

Data on the lifetimes of the vibrational-rotational levels of the excited electronic states of hydrogen molecule (including H-2, D-2, HD, DT, and T-2 isotopomers) are reviewed. All data on the rotational sublevels of the lowest vibrational levels of various electronic states are presented, which were available before June 2001. A comparative analysis of the data obtained by various researchers using different methods (experimental, semi-empirical, and non-empirical) is performed for the first time. The influence of non-adiabatic intramolecular interactions on the dependence of lifetimes of the rovibronic levels of hydrogen molecule on the vibrational and rotational quantum numbers is discussed. A set of reliable data is selected which can be recommended for use in various applications. (C) 2002 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".