Recombination Of H\u3csup\u3e+\u3c/sup\u3e3 Ions In The Afterglow Of A He-Ar-H2 Plasma

Recombination of H+3 with electrons is studied in a low-temperature plasma containing He, H2 and Ar at different He and H2 densities. The effective plasma recombination rate is driven by binary, H+3 + e-, and ternary, H +3 + e-+ He, processes with the rate coefficients 7.5 × 10-8 cm3 s-1 and 2.8 × 10-25 cm6 s-1 respectively at 260 K. We suggest that the ternary recombination involves formation of neutral highly excited Rydberg H3 followed by an l-changing collision with He. The difference between recombination of para- and ortho-H+3 is discussed. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd