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Dissociative excitation of the N(+)(5S) state by electron impact on N2 - Excitation function and quenchingMetastable N(+)(5S) ions were produced in the laboratory by dissociative excitation of N2 with energetic electrons. The resulting radiative decay of the N(+)(5S) state was observed with sufficient resolution to completely resolve the doublet from the nearby N2 molecular radiation. The excitation function was measured from threshold to 500 eV. The cross section peaks at a high electron energy and also exhibits a high threshold energy both of which are typical of dissociative excitation-ionization processes. This finding complicates the explanation of electron impact on N2 as the mechanism for the source of the 2145 A 'auroral mystery feature' by further increasing the required peak cross section. It is suggested that the apparent N(+)(5S) quenching in auroras may be an artifact due to the softening of the electron energy spectrum in the auroral E region.
Document ID
19870032793
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Erdman, P. W.
(Pittsburgh Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Zipf, E. C.
(Pittsburgh, University PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 91
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Atomic And Molecular Physics
Accession Number
87A20067
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-83-04730
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-39-011-030
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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