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I've been able to find how to calculate the recombination rate for semiconductors as a function of the type of semiconductor (like silicon), the doping material, the concentration of the excess carrier and resistivity, and the model for recombination. However, I don't know about the recombination rate calculation for a gaseous plasma. Can a similar relationship be used to calculate the recombination rate of plasma, where the electrons would be more excited? I suppose that would have to assume that the plasma would be a semiconductor, while generally atmospheric gases are considered insulators, but otherwise I was wondering what calculation you apply for plasma of say, neon or nitrogen (not sure if it differs for thermally or electrically dominated plasma).

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There are two types of recombination processes in plasma, three-body (collisional) and radiative (or photo-recombination). The distinction is based on what particle removes excessive momentum and energy when an ion and an electron recombine. In the three-body recombination it is another electron, in the radiative recombination it is a photon. A good starting point for this subject is the NRL Plasma Formulary, it contains main formulas and references. This is extracted from the Formulary: enter image description here enter image description here

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  • $\begingroup$ There is also third type of recombination process in plasma called "Dielectronic recombination". $\endgroup$
    – Gunn
    Commented Apr 25, 2020 at 22:15

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