Emission cross sections of the H2(3p 3PIsub(u)→2s 3Σsub(g)+) transition for electron impact on H2

The emission cross sections have been measured for the diagonal Fulcher-α bands (3p 3PIsub(u), γ'→2s 3Σsub(g)+, γ'' with γ'=γ''=0, 1, 2, 3) in H2 by means of electron impact. From these the excitation cross section for the 3p 3PIsub(u) state has been determined. A maximum value of 4.2(+-0.8)X10-18 cm2 at 15.6 eV was found which is in good agreement with the corresponding cross section calculated by Chung et al., equal to 4.1X10-18 cm2. The excitation function (0-100 eV) also agrees with the calculated one but differs from that obtained experimentally by other investigators. Probable reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. (Auth.)