The products and dynamics in mutual neutralisation of \({{{{\rm{O}}}}_{2}}^{+}\) with O− occurring in atmospheric sprites are unknown. Here, the authors reveal a dissociative two-step mechanism via intermediate Rydberg states and a dependence on the \({{{{\rm{O}}}}_{2}}^{+}\) vibrational state.
- Mathias Poline
- Arnaud Dochain
- Richard D. Thomas
