Electron-Impact Excitation Functions for Metastable States of N2

Abstract

The metastable excitation function for N2 is mainly due to the A 3Σu+, E 3Σg+, and a 1Πg states. This interpretation, which is based on (1) the optical-excitation functions for these states, (2) their radiative lifetimes, and (3) new measurements of the metastable excitation function at a range of times after excitation, is consistent with other workers' data. The roles of several other metastable states of N2 are also discussed.