The reaction of atomic oxygen with several atmospheric ions

Cross sections for reactions of atomic oxygen with the ions H+, O+,N+,N2+, O−, and O2− have been measured. The ion energies range from 1 to 500 eV. For all ions, the charge transfer processes have been considered. In addition, for N2+ the ion-molecule reaction leading to production of NO+ has been studied. For the charge transfer reactions in which no accidentally resonant pathway exists, cross sections less than 10−17 cm2 at 1 eV were measured. Where accidental resonance occurs, cross sections larger than 10−16 cm2 at 1 eV were found. For N+, both the ground and excited states of the ion were used in the measurements. The method used to form the atomic oxygen beam is discussed.