De-excitation rate constants of He(2 3S) by atoms and molecules as studied by the pulse radiolysis method

Abstract

Time-resolved measurement of He (2 3S) concentration by its optical absorption after electron pulse irradiation of HeN 2 mixtures confirms that the optical emission of N + 2(B 2Σ + u → X 2Σ + g) is based on the energy transfer (Penning ionization) from He (2 3S) to N 2. The addition of other atoms and molecules to HeN 2 mixtures changes the decay rate of the optical emission N + 2(B 2Σ + u → X 2Σ + g), which is a detector of He (2 3S), and gives the rate constant of He (2 3S) de-excitation by various atoms and molecules. Our results are discussed from the viewpoint of a gas-kinetic collision model.