Microwave determination of the coefficient of dissociative recombination of molecular ions of argon

In several experiments of determining the coefficient of dissociative recombination α, there have been wide-spreading values ranging from 3x10-7 to 1.1x10-6 cm3s-1. These discrepancies may be due to the ignorance of microwave power dissipation throughout the glass discharge tube immerged in the microwave cavity. Therefore, this study is to take into account the power dissipation in addition to the other loss and the form factor and to calibrate the cavity. Using a calibrated cavity taken into consideration electric field loss from the end holes and the presence of a glass discharge tube, we have determined the value of α of molecular ion of argon at 300 K by means of the computer fitting of the rate equation of electrons to the measured decay of electron density. (author) 10 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab