Collisional depolarization and transfer rates of spectral lines by atomic hydrogen. II: application to d states of neutral atoms

Abstract

The theory of collisional depolarization of spectral lines by atomic hydrogen (Derouich et al. \cite{derouich1}) is extended to $d$ $(l$=2) atomic levels. Depolarization rates, polarization and population transfer rates are calculated and results are given as a function of the temperature. Cross sections as a function of the effective quantum number for a relative velocity of 10 ${\text{km s}}^{-1}$ are also given together with velocity exponents $\lambda$, if \textbf{they exist}, on the assumption that the cross section varies with velocity as $v^{-\lambda }$. A discussion of our results is presented.

11 pages including 3 figures and 2 tables, accepted in A&A