Kinetic rate coefficients for electron-driven collisions with CH$^+$: dissociative recombination and rovibronic excitation

TL;DR

This paper presents theoretical calculations of electron collision processes with CH$^+$ ions, including dissociative recombination and rovibronic excitation, validated against experimental data for use in astrophysical and technological plasma modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a combined R-matrix and quantum defect theory approach to accurately compute collision cross sections and rate coefficients for CH$^+$ with electrons.

Findings

Theoretical results agree well with Cryogenic Storage Ring data.

Cross sections and rate coefficients cover temperatures from 1 K to 10,000 K.

Results are applicable for astrophysical and plasma technology modeling.

Abstract

Cross sections and rate coefficients for rovibronic excitation of the CH$^+$ ion by electron impact and dissociative recombination of CH$^+$ with electrons are evaluated using a theoretical approach combining an R-matrix method and molecular quantum defect theory. The method has been developed and tested, comparing the theoretical results with the data from the recent Cryogenic Storage Ring experiment. The obtained cross sections and rate coefficients evaluated for temperatures from 1~K to 10,000~K could be used for plasma modeling in interpretation of astrophysical observations and also in technological applications where molecular hydrocarbon plasma is present.