Low-temperature rate studies of ions and radicals in supersonic flows

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  • MSMark A. Smith
    Mark A. Smith
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Abstract
Studies of the rates of gas-phase ion-molecule and neutral chemistry at low temperatures using supersonic flow methods are reviewed. The current supersonic flow methods employed are discussed, together with the experimental and theoretical models utilized for their full understanding. Particular emphasis in the review is placed upon recent investigations into chemical reaction as well as inelastic energy transfer processes which display a high efficiency at the low temperatures. These studies have particular relevance to the development of broadly applicable reaction dynamic models at the quantum state specific level. The results are assisting the growing understanding of natural chemical environments at very low temperatures such as planetary atmospheres, cometary gases and interstellar molecular clouds. Future directions of the young field of lowtemperature gas kinetics are discussed.