The rate coefficient for quenching N(2D) by O(3P)

We have studied the quenching of N(2D) by atomic oxygen in a discharge-flow reactor. Vacuum ultraviolet resonance fluorescence is used to detect the metastables. Three different discharge-based sources provide the atomic oxygen: discharged O2/Ar, discharged N2O/Ar, and the reaction of N with NO. Results from the three different approaches are congruent and indicate the lack of significant systematic errors in the study. The rate coefficient at 300 K is (1.06±0.26)×10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1.