THREE BODY RECOMBINATION

Recombination of an ion with an electron with the simultaneous transfer of kinetic and binding energy to a third particle (usually another electron). Proceeds at a rate which is proportional to the square of the electron density, therefore it becomes the dominant process in higher density plasmas commonly found in stellar atmospheres. (about 10^13 electrons per cubic centimeter) (since the radiative recombination rate varies linearly with electron density, it becomes more important at the lower electron density)
Home Page.