ELECTRON-IMPACT DISSOCIATION OF NITROGEN

The electron-impact dissociation of N2 to form two nitrogen atoms is observed in a crossed beam experiment at electron energies between 18.5 and 148.5 eV. Detection Of the correlated dissociation fragments with a time and position sensitive detector permits detection Of both ground and excited state fragments, but excludes interference from dissociative ionization products. The observed translational energy releases in the N2 dissociation are consistent with predissociation to N (2D) + N (4S) fragments as the primary dissociation mechanism. Absolute cross sections for the electron impact dissociation are measured and compared with previous measurements. Recommended values of this cross section are given for electron-impact energies between 10 and 200 eV.