Rate coefficients for electron-impact dissociation of O<inf>3</inf>⁺ to singly charged fragments

Abstract

Rate coefficients for electron-impact dissociation of O3+ to the O+ and O2+ fragments are calculated for the new, recommended cross section data set and for various collisional conditions. Two sets of the cross section data, measured recently by different experimental groups, are used. These cross sections differ significantly with each other, but are renormalized and optimized to the coherent data base. Rate coefficients for the ozone cation fragmentation are determined using the Maxwellian and the non-thermal electron energy distribution functions (EEDF). In the case of Maxwellian distribution, mean electron energies cover the range from zero up to 2 keV. Non-thermal electron energy distribution functions are adopted from the recent electron observations by the 3-D plasma and energetic particles experiment on the WIND spacecraft. The non-thermal rates are evaluated for the mean electron energies from 4 to 80 eV. The role of the possible contribution of electron-impact dissociation of O3+ to the ozone layer depletion has been emphasized.