Electron detachment from O$_{2}^{-}$ ions in oxygen under strongly non-equilibrium conditions

Electron detachment from O$_{2}^{-}$ ions have been theoretically studied on the assumption that the process proceeds via the formation of vibrationally excited temporary O$_{2}^{-}$ ions. The detachment rate was determined on the basis of the statistical approach for the vibrational transfer in collisions between O$_{2}^{-}$ and O$_{2}$. To validate the statistical approach used, we calculated attachment and detachment rates under equilibrium conditions under which measurements are available. This method was extended to calculate detachment rates in vibrationally excited oxygen. The calculated rates were used to simulate the formation and decay of an electron-beam-generated plasma in N$_{2}$:O$_{2}$ mixtures at elevated vibrational temperatures. The effect of high electric fields on electron detachment in unexcited oxygen was also studied.