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On the dissociative ionization of SO 2 in Io's atmosphere
Author(s) -
Michael M.,
Bhardwaj A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/97gl02056
Subject(s) - photoionization , ionization , dissociation (chemistry) , ion , atmosphere (unit) , atomic physics , electron ionization , ionosphere , dissociative recombination , physics , electron , chemistry , meteorology , recombination , astronomy , nuclear physics , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , gene
Unattenuated ionization rates for the dissociative photoionization of SO 2 producing SO 2 + , SO + , S + , O + , and O 2 + ions are reported during solar minimum and maximum conditions. It is found that in the atmosphere of Io the photo‐dissociation‐ionization of SO 2 could be an important source of the production of SO + , S + , O + , and O 2 + ions and that its contribution is much greater (factor of 5–10) compared with that due to direct photoionization of, respectively, SO, S, O, and O 2 gases. Role of photoelectron impact ionization of SO 2 in producing SO 2 + , SO + , S + , O + , and O 2 + ions in the Io's atmosphere is investigated using a Monte Carlo model. It is recommended that the models of Io's ionosphere‐atmosphere should include the dissociative ionization of SO 2 .