CHARGE-TRANSFER OF O2-VOLT ENERGIES( IN HELIUM AT THERMAL AND LOW ELECTRON)

Cross sections and rate coefficients in the thermal-eV energy range ar e calculated for the charge transfer reaction of O2+(3p) ions with hel ium. In agreement with earlier predictions, it is confirmed that the r eaction populates preferentially the metastable (2P) state of the O+ i on. The computed cross sections are, however, considerably larger than previous experimental and theoretical estimations. A discussion is gi ven of the reasons for this discrepancy.