Basic Ionization, Airglow and Auroral Processes

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Numerical simulations of chemical processes are performed to improve the ability to extract physical parameters like density and temperature from airglow and radar observations of the upper atmosphere. These simulations are based upon quantum mechanical principles and include physically realistic elastic and inelastic collision characterizations, as well as physically realistic descriptions of reactant velocity distributions. The derived cross-sections and quenching rates improve upon extant values that continue to defy accurate laboratory determinations, and are applicable to a broad range of research in planetary and cometary atmospheres, laser design, and plasma physics simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H), metastable O(1D), and He (Helium) reactions germane to terrestrial aeronomy.