Electron excitation of the E 3Σg + state of N2 and subsequent collisional deactivation and energy transfer to the C 3Πu state

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Abstract
The excitation and subsequent decay of the E 3Σg+ state of N2 has been studied in a delayed coincidence experiment with a pulsed electron beam by monitoring the time and pressure dependence of the second positive C 3Πu→B 3Πg(0,0) radiation at 3371 Å. The rate equations for the populations of the E and C states have been analyzed for the conditions of the experiment and the relevant equations obtained. The analysis shows the 3371 Å radiation detected, at times long compared to the C state lifetime, to be associated with the initial E state population. Analysis of the time and pressure dependence of this long lived radiation yields a value of 3.8×103 sec−1 mtorr−1 for the collisional deactivation rate coefficient for the E state and a value of 1.9×103 sec−1 mtorr−1 for the energy transfer rate coefficient between the E and C states.