Low dose-rate radiolysis of nitrogen: Yield of nitrogen atoms, N(4S) and N(2D,2P)

Abstract

The low-dose radiolysis of N₂-O₂ mixtures has been investigated at 101 kPa and 299 K. Measurement of the yield for NO and NO₂ as a function of the N₂ mole fraction has been analyzed to give a G(N) value of 7.3 ± 1.5 for the yield of N(⁴S) and N(²D,²P) atoms for the radiolysis of N₂. Computer simulation of the neutral N₂O₂ chemistry under radiolytic conditions showed that N atoms are predominately formed in a metastable state. Predissociation of N₂ electronic states in the 12 to 16 eV range is responsible for the production of metastable atomic N(²D) and N(²P) atoms.