Some comments on present theoretical calculations of the profiles of forbidden components in the wings of Stark-broadened spectral lines

See also ibid. p.L67. Objections are raised to the basic theoretical validity of all previous calculations of the intensities and profiles of optically forbidden transitions induced by the electric microfield in a plasma. These theoretical objections are relevant in the case of neutral helium lines at the densities of interest in early-type stars when such forbidden components are strongly excited. They also relate to the discrepancy between theory and experiment reported in the preceding experimental letter.