Laboratory Synthesis of Molecular Hydrogen on Surfaces of Astrophysical Interest

Abstract

We report on the first results of experiments to measure the recombination rate of hydrogen on surfaces of astrophysical interest. Our measurements give lower values for the recombination efficiency (sticking probability S x probability of recombination upon H-H encounter $γ$) than model-based estimates. We propose that our results can be reconciled with average estimates of the recombination rate (1/2 n(H) n(g) v(H)A S $γ$) from astronomical observations, if the actual surface of an average grain is rougher, and its area bigger, than the one considered in models.

13 pages plus 5 figures (only change: this version has 5 figures included); this paper is to appear in Astrophysical Journal Letters.