Excitation in the radiation chemistry of inorganic gases

Abstract

Gas phase radiation chemistry yield data and electron impact cross-section data are used to derive excitation mechanisms and to discuss the role of excited states in the radiation chemistry of O 2, N 2, N 2O, CO, CO 2, H 2S, H 2O and NH 3. For each of these systems available cross-sections for ionization and neutral excitation are listed, together with relevant reaction rate data and a summary of the radiation chemistry studies at both high and low dose rates. In general, fairly complete mechanisms are derived and further tested by energy balance calculations. In order to present as complete a picture as possible, a summary of rates and products of ion-neutralization reactions is given at the end of the paper.