Rate coefficients and final states for the dissociative recombination of LiH+

The dissociative recombination of LiH+ ions with low-energy electrons is ob served at a storage ring and the final states are analyzed using fragment i maging and field ionization techniques. The rate coefficient is found to be larger than its estimated value used in astrophysical models. Mostly the h ighest energetically possible Rydberg states of the lithium atom are popula ted by the reaction, indicating a common trend for molecular recombination via the noncrossing mode.