Three-body ionic recombination at moderate and high gas densities

Abstract

The formula of Natanson for the ionic recombination coefficient is adjusted so that it covers the general case in which the positive and negative ions have different mean free paths and trapping radii, and in which they and the neutral particles have different masses. In addition, it is adjusted so that it yields the same results in the low-density region as does the quasi-equilibrium statistical theory. The predictions are in satisfactory agreement with data obtained by McGowan on ionic recombination in oxygen.