DETERMINATION OF THE QUENCHING RATE OF THE O((1)D) BY O(P-3) FROM ROCKET-BORNE OPTICAL (630-NM) AND ELECTRON-DENSITY DATA

The quenching rate k7 of the O(1D) by O(3P) in the nocturnal F region is evaluated on the basis of rocket-borne photometric and electron density measurements that have been carried out aboard a Brazilian Sonda III rocket launched from Natal (geography 5.8-degrees-S, 35.2-degrees-W) on October 31, 1986, at 2259 Local Standard Time (LST). The night-glow emission and electron density vertical profiles were obtained respectively from a 630-nm photometer and a high-frequency capacitance probe. The quenching rate k7 was evaluated from model calculations of the 01 630-nm emission rate, utilizing as input data the measured electron density. Assuming the value of 1.1 for the quantum yield factor f(1D) a mean value estimated for k7 turned out to be 9.2 X 10(-13) cm3 s-1, the upper and lower limits being 2.8 X 10(-12) cm3 s-1 and zero, respectively. On the other hand, assuming Bates' [19901 height profile of Franck-Condon f(1D) for this same experiment, k7 resulted in 2.55 X 10(-12) cm3 s-1. These results are discussed and compared with previous measurements from other authors.