On the coupling of electron and vibrational energy distributions in carbon monoxide post dischargesa)

The electron energy distribution and the vibrational population of CO have been numerically calculated in discharge and post-discharge conditions. The calculations show that the electronic and vibrational energies are strongly coupled in both cases. In the post-discharge this coupling which reflects the balance of vibrational inelastic losses and superelastic gains can last up to times of 10−3–10−2 s (p=5 Torr, Tg=500 K) until electrons disappear by recombination and diffusion to the tube walls (R∼1 cm).