H/sub α/ and H/sub β/ emission cross sections for low-energy H and H+ collisions With N2 and O2

Absolute cross sections for the emission alpha and Balmer beta radiations from H and H+ collisions with N2 and O2 are reported. The H and H+ projectile energies ranged between about 50 eV and 2.5 keV. For projectile energies above 300 eV, the contributions to these radiations from decay of the long-lived 3s and 4s excited states of hydrogen were resolved. The emission cross sections for the case of H atom impact were found to be substantially larger than those for H+ impact. The results are discussed within the context of their application to analysis of the hydrogen aurora