Theoretical Study of Atomic and Molecular Processes

The report presents the findings of a number of individual investigations relevant to the physics of atomic and molecular processes in the upper atmosphere as pertinent to the problem of the rate of reduction of ionization in a disturbed atmosphere. Calculations have been performed of the rates for three-body ion-electron recombination X(+) + e + M yields X + M. The process of associative detachment X(-) + Y yields XY + e is an important mechanism for the removal of negative atomic and molecular ions. Improved calculations of potential energy curves O2(-), relative to theoretical O2 curves, have been performed. The cross section for rotational excitation in electron polar molecule collisions, e + M(J) yields e + M (J + Delta J), where M(J) is a polar molecule in rotational state J, is large. Detailed calculations have been performed for the cross section for rotational excitation of carbon monoxide by electron impact using close-coupling methods.