Variational approach to the calculation of the structure and properties of H₃⁺ ions in strong magnetic fields

Abstract

The structure and properties of H₃⁺ ions in magnetic fields with strengths of the order of 10⁹-10¹⁰ G have been studied by means of a variational method. It is found that there is a rapid change in the configuration of the H₃⁺ ion from its equilateral triangular structure to a linear chain, around a magnetic field B_c=2.35× 10⁹ G. The exchange contribution increases with the magnetic field, and its effect on Bc is to lower its value. The vibrational frequencies of H₃⁺, about its ground-state structure increase with the field strength and undergo a rapid change near B_c. The oscillator strengths for the electronic transition stay nearly constant in the range 0-4.7 × 10¹⁰ G of the magnetic field strength studied.