Rate constants for the quenching of N2(A 3Σ+u; v A=1–6,8) by rare gases

The techniques of pulsed electron beam excitation and optical absorption spectroscopy have been used to produce and detect metastable nitrogen (A 3Σ+u) in the vibrational levels v=1–6,8. Second order quenching rate constants have been determined in the presence of added rare gases. The rate constants, in units of cm3/sec and for increasing values of v, are as follows: He (6.3±0.6) ×10−16; (3.3±0.4) (−15); (4.8±0.6) (−15); (7.2±0.7) (−15); (9.0±1.4) (−15); (1.2±0.3) (−14); (2.1±0.4) (−14). Ne (4.1±0.6) (−16); (4.3±0.6) (−16); (8.1±0.8) (−16); (2.3±0.2) (−15); (5.3±0.8) (−15); (6.1±1.0) (−15); (2.5±0.6) (−14). Ar (2.1±0.8) (−16); (3.0±0.4) (−16); (1.0±0.2) (−15); (3.9±0.3) (−15); (7.2±0.9) (−15); (4.5±0.9) (−15); (2.1±0.2) (−14). Kr no value; (4.5±0.5) (−15); (5.7±0.8) (−15); (5.4±0.8) (−15); (9.5±1.2) (−15); (2.3±0.3) (−14); (7.5±2.5) (−14). Xe no value; (4.2±0.4) (−15); (1.4±0.4) (−14); (9.9±0.7) (−14); (1.5±0.2) (−13); (1.1±0.3) (−13); (4.4±0.5) (−13). An attempt has been made to explain the results in terms of the standard energy transfer theories.