The energy distribution of atoms in the field of thermal radiation
Abstract
Description
Using the principle of detailed balance and the assumption on the absorption cross-section consistent with available astrophysical data, we obtain the energy distribution of atoms in the field of thermal blackbody radiation and show that this distribution diverges from the Boltzmann law. There is an inversion of the high energy level population at sufficiently high temperatures.
6 pages, REVTeX
6 pages, REVTeX