The reaction of atomic oxygen with several atmospheric ions

Abstract

Cross sections for reactions of atomic oxygen with the ions ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}\mathrm{,\hspace{0.17em}}{\mathrm{O}}^{+},{\mathrm{N}}^{+},{\mathrm{N}}_2^{+}\mathrm{,\hspace{0.17em}}{\mathrm{O}}^{-}$ , and ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{-}$ have been measured. The ion energies range from 1 to 500 eV. For all ions, the charge transfer processes have been considered. In addition, for ${\mathrm{N}}_2^{+}$ the ion‐molecule reaction leading to production of NO⁺ has been studied. For the charge transfer reactions in which no accidentally resonant pathway exists, cross sections less than 10⁻¹⁷ cm² at 1 eV were measured. Where accidental resonance occurs, cross sections larger than 10⁻¹⁶ cm² at 1 eV were found. For N⁺, both the ground and excited states of the ion were used in the measurements. The method used to form the atomic oxygen beam is discussed.