Ionization, electron-attachment, -detachment, and charge-transfer in oxygen and air

Abstract

An extended theory which allows for ionization (α), associative (¯η) and dissociative (¯η) electron attachment, detachment (ϑ), and charge-transfer (χ) is successfully applied to spatial current growth experiments inoxygen in the rangeE/p=30–50 V/cmtorr to yield consistent data for the respective coefficients. Mass spectrometer results are also adequately described by the theory and data, ¯η-values are compared with calculations based on electron beam data.

A temporal electron current growth version of the theory is applied to measurements inair to yield a corresponding set of data, ¯η and χ values are found to be in accordance with the percentage of oxygen in air.

Earlier detachment rates for air and oxygen, and ionization rates for air, are confirmed.