Variational approach to the calculation of the structure and properties ofH3+ions in strong magnetic fields

The structure and properties of ${\mathrm{H}}_3^{+}$ ions in magnetic fields with strengths of the order of ${10}^9$-${10}^{10}$ G have been studied by means of a variational method. It is found that there is a rapid change in the configuration of the ${\mathrm{H}}_3^{+}$ ion from its equilateral triangular structure to a linear chain, around a magnetic field $B_c=2.35\mathrm{}\times {10}^9$ G. The exchange contribution increases with the magnetic field, and its effect on $B_c$ is to lower its value. The vibrational frequencies of ${\mathrm{H}}_3^{+}$, about its ground-state structure increase with the field strength and undergo a rapid change near $B_c$. The oscillator strengths for the electronic transition stay nearly constant in the range 0-4.7 × ${10}^{10}$ G of the magnetic field strength studied.