Vibrational Relaxation of OH(X 2 Pi (sub i), nu = 1-3) by O2
Abstract
Hydroxyl radical (OH) plays a preeminent role in both the chemistry and photophysics of the earths atmosphere. Stratospheric OH takes part in a number of key reactions, including those which determine the concentration of the halogen-containing species involved in the catalytic destruction of ozone. OH also mediates the relative densities of the odd nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) and nitric acid. Because the presence of OH is a signature of numerous chemical and photochemical processes, its altitude distribution is of fundamental interest, and substantial effort has been made to develop better remote sensing techniques for OH. The steady-state vibrational populations of hydroxyl in the upper atmosphere are determined by the rates of various processes, including the chemical reactions that form and destroy OH, IR fluorescence from OH, and collisional relaxation of OH by bath gas molecules. Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223199
Entities
People
- James A. Dodd
- Steven J. Lipson
- William A. Blumberg
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory