We estimate rates for the dissociative recombination (DR) of NO${{}_2}^{+}$ $+$ $e^{-}$. Although accurate excited-state potential-energy curves for the excited states of the neutral are not available, we estimate that the 1 ${}^2{\Phi }_g$ and the 1 ${}^2{\Pi }_g$ states of the neutral may intersect the ground-state cation potential-energy surface near its equilibrium geometry. Using fixed nuclei scattering calculations, we estimate the rate for direct DR via these states and find it to be significant. We also perform approximate calculations of DR triggered by the indirect mechanism, which suggest that the indirect DR rate for NO${}_2$ is insignificant compared to the direct rate.

• Received 27 August 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.062712