Kinetic parameters for OH nightglow modeling consistent with recent laboratory measurements

Abstract

An improved kinetic model for the Meinel bands of OH has been constructed from rate constants and Einstein A coefficients derived in recent laboratory experiments. Using a semiempirical parameterization of the state‐to‐state rate constants for OH(v) quenching by O 2 , the absolute OH(v) nightglow radiances are modeled to within the accuracies of the atmospheric constituent concentrations and the radiometric calibrations. Collisional quenching is found to be predominantly multiquantum at high v but single‐quantum at low v.