the rate coefficient for the recombination of complex ions, and, in particular, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) cations with electrons. The method is based on the flowing
afterglow Langmuir probe-mass spectrometer apparatus at the University of Rennes I. A
helium plasma is generated by a microwave discharge in a He buffer gas and downstream,
a small amount of argon gas is injected to destroy any helium metastables. A very small …