Determination of theD-layer dissociative recombination coefficient from a high-altitude nuclear explosion

Measurements of the magnitude and time dependence of X-ray-induced absorption over Midway during the July 9, 1962, high-altitude nuclear explosion allow us to infer bounds on the dissociative recombination coefficient α of the D layer of the ionosphere. Analysis of the data indicates that α lies between 3 × 10−7 cm3/sec and 7 × 10−7 cm3/sec.