PhD thesis defense

Mutual neutralisation reactions in planetary atmospheres and industrial plasmas

by Mathias Poline (Stockholm University)

Europe/Stockholm
FB53 (AlbaNova Main Building)

FB53

AlbaNova Main Building

Description

Abstract
This thesis deals with experimental studies of electron transfer reactions between oppositely charged ions (cations and
anions), in a process called mutual neutralisation. These investigations were performed at the double electrostatic ion
storage ring DESIREE at Stockholm University, which was put into full operation in 2017. This unique apparatus consists of
two cryogenic electrostatic rings where oppositely charged ion beams are stored and merged in a common section where the
reactions of interest take place. The neutral products arising from the reactions are detected in coincidence using a sensitive
3D imaging detector. This approach allows the kinetic energy of the products to be measured, and the particular product
channels to be identified, such that the branching ratio into the different competing sets of products can be determined.
The reactions studied in this thesis take place in both natural plasmas, such as our own atmosphere, as well as industrial
ones, such as ion propulsion engines and fusion reactors. For the first time, the final-state distribution of the products in
a number of mutual neutralisation reactions involving molecular ions were determined, and the reaction dynamics were
elucidated.
The work presented in this thesis deals with the development of data analysis methods necessary for the imaging of
coincidence products, as well as simulation methods required to interpret the experimental results. The thesis touches briefly the current theoretical models treating these reactions and their current recent development and results.

Videoconference
Thesis_defense
Plugin type
zoom
ID
239-996-391
Join URL