Excitation and Deexcitation of Vibration in Gases by Oxygen and Nitrogen Atoms
Abstract
In the E region of the earth's atmosphere, a number of exothermic chemical reactions occur that can produce N2*, vibrationally excited nitrogen. In the lower E region (below 125 km) the major loss of nitrogen vibrational energy is by energy transfer to CO2, with subsequent radiation in the infrared (principally at 4.3 micrometers). The report discusses two of the main processes that have been considered for producing N2*: N(quadruplet S) + NO yields N2 + O(triplet P) + 3.27 ev and O(singlet D) + N2 yields N2 + O(triplet P) + 1.96 ev. A second aspect of the atmospheric processes powering emissions through N2* concerns the reactions that can quench it in the upper atmosphere. The rate coefficients for the V-T energy exchange with O(triplet P) in the upper E region are not known for the temperatures found in the earth's atmosphere. A second goal has, therefore, been measurement of this rate for temperatures approaching 1200K or lower, using a shock tube.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0745925
Entities
People
- Donald J. Eckstrom
- Graham Black
- Robert L. Sharpless
Organizations
- SRI International