Electron localization in dense nitrogen vapor

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Abstract
The density normalized mobility μn of thermal electrons in saturated nitrogen vapor decreases by two orders of magnitude between n=5.7×1019 and the critical density 6.7×1021 molecule/cm3. This large effect is attributed to temporary anion formation involving resonance rotational states. The process is much more extensive than the quasilocalization of electrons in dense xenon and hydrocarbon vapors. The process is approximately first order in nitrogen at n<2×1021 molecule/cm3, but the order increases progressively with density at n≳2×1021 molecule/cm3. The apparent mean lifetime δτ of the anions at 127 K is 4×10−13 s at n<2×1021 molecule/cm3, but increases at higher densities and reaches 6×10−12 s at n=6.7×1021 molecule/cm3. The value of δτ in the low density gas decreases with increasing temperature.