The yield of N(2<i>D</i>) atoms in the dissociative recombination of NO+

Abstract

The quantum yield or branching ratio of N(2D) atoms formed in the reaction e+NO+→N+O was measured to be 76±6%. Photoionization of buffered nitric oxide by a flash lamp was studied using time resolved atomic absorption. Atoms were produced both by direct photodissociation and by dissociative recombination, and these two effects were separated by means of SF6 as an electron scavenger.