Photoionisation of Nitric Oxide in the Upper Atmosphere. A MQDO Study

摘要

In recent years, nitric oxide (NO) has attracted increased attention as an atmospheric pollutant, and also as an important reagent in astrophysical and atmospheric chemistry. For instance, on the one hand, NO has a direct contribution to the destruction of Ozone in the Stratosphere, and, on the other, is involved in the photochemical production of O_3 in the Troposphere. It also plays a key role in combustion processes, being a major product of internal combustion engines and combustion power plants. Recently, nitric oxide has also been found to be of relevance in biology and physiology. The role played by NO in the formation of the Ionospheric D-region was also realized, whilst the study of nitric oxide in the Mesosphere was stimulated by in situ measurements of the gas conditions. The photodissociation of NO has long been recognized as an important process in the Mesosphere and Stratosphere. Crutzen brought attention to the role played by this compound as a major participant in the Stratospheric photochemical balance, given the existence of a substantial source of NO.