Dissociative recombination of electrons and molecular ions

The mechanisms of dissociative recombination of electrons and molecular ions are described. Methods for experimental study of this process are discussed. The results of measurements of the dissociative recombination cross section and coefficient for various systems are reported. Theoretical models of the process are analyzed. The role of dissociative recombination in the low-temperature plasma of the upper atmosphere, gas lasers, and the glow discharge is demonstrated.