Analysis of the Jahn-Teller effect in then p 2 E′ Rydberg series of H3 and D3

Spectroscopic signatures of Jahn-Teller (JT) coupling in then p _x,y ² E′ Rydberg series of H₃ and D₃ are analyzed within a simple multi-channel-quantum-defect-type model. The JT coupling constant has been inferred from existing ab initio calculations of the potential-energy surfaces of low Rydberg states of H₃. The model predicts pronounced resonant perturbations in Rydberg members with intermediaten (n=5–7) as well as strong JT-induced autoionization in absorption and ion-yield spectra from vibrationally excited initial levels. The JT-induced effects are shown to exhibit a characteristic dependence on the vibrational angular momentum of the bending mode in the initial state.