Predissociation process in C-/CO formation

An electron impact experiment is presented which allows a better understanding of C - /CO formation. Structures observed in the sigma =f(E) curve for C - /CO indicate that the 2 Sigma + resonant state ( nu =0 at 10.04 eV) is predissociated by another resonant state leading to C - ( 4 S)+O( 3 P). Using a deconvolution technique, several contributions to the dissociative attachment cross section are clearly separated: predissociation of the nu =1 and nu =2 levels of the CO - 2 Sigma + resonant state and direct dissociative resonant processes leading to C - /CO are observed.