RADIATIVE ASSOCIATION OF N-ATOMS AND O-ATOMS AT LOW-TEMPERATURES

The rate coefficients for the radiative association of N(4S) and O(3P) atoms are calculated for temperatures between 1 K and 2000 K. Below 200 K the effects of the interaction between the B2-PI and C2-PI states have to be included. Experimental spectroscopic data are analyzed to determine the mixing of the states and to infer the radiative and predissociation lifetimes for the quasi-bound rotational levels through which the radiative association occurs at low temperatures. At 20 K the rate coefficient is 6.5 x 10(-17) cm3 s-1 , and at 200 K it is 2.3 x 10(-17) cm3 s-1.