RECOMBINATION OF H-3(+) AND D-3(+) IONS IN A FLOWING AFTERGLOW PLASMA

The analysis of flowing afterglow plasmas containing H-3(+) or D-3(+) ions indicates that the de-ionization of such plasmas does not occur by simple dissociative recombination of ions with electrons. An alternative model of de-ionization is proposed in which electrons are captured into H-3** autoionizing Rydberg states that are stabilized by collisional mixing of the Rydberg molecules' angular momenta. The proposed mechanism would enable de-ionization to occur without the need for dissociative recombination by the mechanism of potential-surface crossings.