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EUV studies of N/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/ produced by low energy electron impact

Journal Article · · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6517006

The emission spectrum of atomic nitrogen (NI), singly ionized atomic nitrogen (NII), atomic oxygen (OI), singly ionized atomic oxygen (OII), and molecular nitrogen (N/sub 2/) dominates the day airglow and aurora spectrum in the extreme ultraviolet. However, analysis of the excitation of these lines is not possible due to the lack of laboratory or theoretical data for the relevant processes. Absolute emission excitation cross sections resulting from low energy electron impact on N/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/ have been measured in the extreme vacuum ultraviolet (500--1200 A). Electron energies were from 0 to 300 eV. Numerous bands of N/sub 2/ were found between 800 and 1000 A. These band systems are of particular interest because their optical oscillator strengths are unusually large and should have large emission cross sections. Excitation functions were measured for the N/sub 2/ c' /sup 1/..sigma../sup +//sub u/ ..-->.. X /sup 1/..sigma../sup +//sub g/ v' = 0-v'' = 0 band emission, the NII 916 A multiplet, the OI 879 A multiplet, and the OII 834 A multiplet. In addition, cross sections were measured at 200 eV only for several of the band emissions plus the NI 1135 A, NI 1164 A, NI 1177 A, NII 776 A, NII 1084 A, OI 1152 A, OI 1041 A, OI 1027 A, OI 999 A, OI 989 A, OI 879 A, OII 834 A, OII 616 A, OII 555 A, OII 539 A, and OII 718 A multiplets.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics, The University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. 20008
OSTI ID:
6517006
Journal Information:
J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 78:4; ISSN JCPSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English