In this paper, we report results regarding how ${\mathrm{LiH}}_2^{+}$ fragments as a result of a low-energy collision with an electron (dissociative recombination), a reaction that contains only elements and particles created during the very first phase of the universe. The collision-energy-dependent reaction rate and cross sections show detailed structures, more so than predicted by theory, suggesting significant rovibrational coupling in the ion and a complex reaction surface. From the structure of the molecule, the reaction predominantly results in the formation of Li + H${}_2$. However, 23% of the reaction flux leads to more interesting products, with 17% producing Li + 2H and 6% producing LiH + H. These last two channels break the strongest molecular bond in the system and, in the case of the latter channel, form a significantly weaker ionic bond. Possible reasons behind this interesting behavior are discussed, together with the interaction between the available reaction channels.

• Received 17 April 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.89.050701