Multiconfiguration variational calculations are carried out of the electronic wave functions of the a ${\mathrm{}}^3$${\Sigma }_g^{+}$ and b ${\mathrm{}}^3$${\Sigma }_u^{+}$ states of molecular hydrogen, and the electric dipole transition moment between them is obtained. The dipole moment is used in a calculation of the probabilities of radiative transitions from the discrete vibrational levels of the a ${\mathrm{}}^3$${\Sigma }_g^{+}$ state to the vibrational continuum of the repulsive b${\mathrm{}}^3$${\Sigma }_u^{+}$ state as functions of the wavelength of the emitted photons, and a comparison is made with measurements of the emission spectra of the v’=0 levels of ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ and of ${\mathrm{D}}_2$. The total transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of levels v’=0–20 are presented.

• Received 6 March 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.34.1962