The N2 dissociation yield has been measured in a flowing post-discharge
containing H2 between 0 to 5%. The N atom density has been determined
in the fast post-discharge (Δt = 5 × 10−2 s) electric field has been
measured by electrostatic probes as a function of H2 relative concentration.
It is demonstrated that the H2 produces a significant increase in the
N-atom concentration measured in the post-discharge. For our experimental
conditions it was determined an increase up to 3 times in comparison to pure nitrogen
discharge. The maximum yield of N-atoms was obtained for a H2
relative concentration of about 2%. This result cannot only be explained by the
decrease of N atoms surface losses. It is demonstrated that the N2
dissociation increase is also the result of an increase of the discharge reduced
electric field.