On the role of ion dynamics in the Stark broadening of hydrogen lines

A review and critical discussion of previous treatments of ion dynamics in hydrogen-line broadening by plasmas is followed by the description of a computer simulation of ion motion for the Lyman-β line of hydrogen. The profile of Ly-β is calculated for the static ion case as well as for three dynamic emitter-perturber couples, namely H-H+, H-Ar+, and D-Ar+. The results, which show an important effect due to ion dynamics, are compared with a recent experimental result and with theoretical results obtained by the model microfield method. (author)