Thermal energy charge−transfer reactions: He+2 with N2 and CO

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Abstract
The reactions of He+2 with N2 and CO at thermal energy have been studied by optical emission spectroscopy in a He flowing afterglow. The following emission systems have been observed: N+2(B 2Σ+u− X 2Σ+g) and CO+(B 2Σ+−X 2Σ+, B 2Σ+− A 2Πi, A 2Πi−X 2Σ+). The vibrational and rotational distributions of the products have been determined. A Franck–Condon-like vibrational distribution is obtained for N2+(B) and CO+(B) which are formed through energy-resonant processes. In contrast, the vibrational distribution of CO+(A), which is formed through a nonenergy-resonant process, is shifted to higher vibrational levels in comparison with Franck–Condon-type distribution. Simple model calculations are suggestive of mutual effects of Franck–Condon and energy resonance criteria for the formation of CO+(A) vibrational levels. Rotational excitations are observed in N2+(B) and CO+(B). The effective rotational temperatures of N+2(B: v′=0) and CO+(B: v′=0) are 900±60 and 890±100 K, respectively.