Laboratory Studies of O(1D) Processes Important in the Upper Atmosphere

研究人员将对涉及单线态D态氧原子[O(1D)]的大气重要过程进行一系列实验。首先，他们将测量氧原子在三维D态[O(3D)]中碰撞去除O（1D）的速率系数及其在300至1000 K范围内的温度依赖性。最近在室温下的实验室研究表明，氧原子的弛豫是控制海拔200-300公里处630 nm红线发射强度的最重要过程。这项研究将产生第一组在相关高温下的实验室测量结果。研究人员还将研究其他反应速率对温度的依赖性，这对了解大气中氧气的排放很重要。这些实验室实验对于改善目前对电离层红线发射的不完整理解，允许更好地模拟和量化分子氧大气波段发射，以及阐明在120-400 km高度范围内氧原子能量转移的作用至关重要。此外，了解O（3P）碰撞去除O（1D）的速率系数，可以正确解释和分析O（1D）排放。这些结果将提高电离层加热实验的科学回报，使630nm的红线发射能够得到正确的解释和量化。要测量的速率系数与平静和扰动的大气条件都有关。这项工作还将有助于提高对卫星阻力的理解和对非相干散射雷达测量结果的解释。高层大气中的能量平衡是将地球作为一个系统建模的关键。将基础化学和物理应用到碰撞能量传递过程的研究中，对于理解激光器，特别是高功率化学激光器的工作也是至关重要的。最后，该研究将有助于培养，指导博士后和暑期本科生的研究经验。

The investigators will conduct a series of experiments on atmospherically important processes involving oxygen atoms in the singlet D state [O(1D)]. First, they will measure the rate coefficient for the collisional removal of O(1D) by oxygen atoms in the triple D state [O(3D)] and its temperature dependence in the range 300 to 1000 K. Recent laboratory studies at room temperature have indicated that relaxation by oxygen atoms is the most significant process controlling the intensity of the 630 nm red line emission at altitudes 200-300 km. The study will yield the first set of laboratory measurements at the relevant high temperatures. The investigators will also investigate the temperature dependence of other reaction rates important for understanding atmospheric oxygen emissions. These laboratory experiments are essential for improving the currently incomplete understanding of ionospheric red-line emission, allowing for better modeling and quantification of molecular oxygen Atmospheric Band emissions, and elucidating the role of oxygen atom energy transfer in the altitude range 120-400 km. Also, knowledge of the rate coefficient for the collisional removal of O(1D) by O(3P) allows the correct interpretation and analysis of the O(1D) emissions. These results will enhance the scientific return of ionospheric heating experiments by enabling a correct interpretation and quantification of the 630-nm red line emission. The rate coefficients to be measured are relevant to both calm and perturbed atmospheric conditions. This work should also help improve understanding of satellite drag and the interpretation of results from incoherent scatter radar measurements. Energy balance in the upper atmosphere is key to modeling the Earth as a system. Application of basic chemistry and physics to the study of collisional energy transfer processes on a fundamental level is also critical for understanding the operation of lasers, especially high-power chemical lasers. Finally, the study will contribute to training, mentoring, and research experiences of postdoctoral fellows and summer undergraduate students.