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Photodetachment of Electrons from Major Negative Ions in the Lower D Region

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Abstract

THE relatively high atmospheric pressures in the lower D region of the ionosphere, at heights below about 80 km, permit the formation of negative ions by the three-body attachment of electrons to molecules or atoms. The photodetachment of electrons from negative ions by solar radiations has been used to explain increases in electron concentrations which occur prior to ground sunrise1. Our theoretical study of the height distributions of electrons and negative ions shows the need to consider the detachment of electrons from the major negative ions throughout the day, to account for the daytime electron concentrations observed below 70 km.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SRC Radio and Space Research Station, Ditton Park, Slough, Buckinghamshire, SL3 9JX

    L. THOMAS, P. M. GONDHALEKAR & M. R. BOWMAN

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  1. L. THOMAS
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  2. P. M. GONDHALEKAR
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  3. M. R. BOWMAN
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THOMAS, L., GONDHALEKAR, P. & BOWMAN, M. Photodetachment of Electrons from Major Negative Ions in the Lower D Region. Nature 238, 89–90 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238089a0

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