Continuous Absorption by the Carbon Negative Ion. II, Free-Free Absorption

Abstract

The free–free absorption coefficient of electrons in the field of neutral carbon atoms is calculated per unit electron pressure per carbon atom in the static central field exchange approximation, assuming a Maxwellian distribution of velocities at temperature T °K. The results are presented in a table over a wide range of wavelengths, and for various values of T , together with the contribution to the total absorption coefficient provided by the bound–free transitions. The total absorption coefficient per unit electron pressure per carbon atom, including stimulated emission, is presented, and is seen to be of the same order of magnitude as that for electrons in the field of neutral hydrogen atoms at the same temperature.