High resolution emission spectrum of H2 between 78 and 118 nm

The complete high resolution emission spectrum of molecular hydrogen is obtained for the first time in the range 78–118 nm. A uniform set of data is derived from accurate line positions of the (unperturbed) Q branches of the C, D, D′, and [Formula: see text] transitions. Molecular constants fitted for both the ground state and the excited states of symmetry [Formula: see text] are obtained. For the latter case, they are compared with ab initio and multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) calculations. Self-absorption features indicate the production, in an appreciable amount, of H2(ν″ = 1) in the discharge. The reported data were not available to laser physicists and also astrophysicists who have observed strong emission lines of H2 from the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.