Dissociation of O₂in N₂/O₂mixtures

Abstract

An explanation is given of the unexpectedly high ozone yield of discharges in N2/O2 mixtures. In addition to the direct electron impact dissociation of O2 a substantial number of additional oxygen atoms are provided by reactions involving excited nitrogen molecules and nitrogen atoms. The calculations based on recent electron impact cross sections are found to be in good agreement with measurements of ozone yield and the time constant of ozone formation.