atomic oxygen en

Oxygen in its atomic form as it exists at altitudes over 12 miles above Earth's surface. It is the result of photo dissociation of molecular oxygen enabled by the ultraviolet radiation found in space. Atomic oxygen comprises 96% of low Earth orbit atmosphere. In conservation, an atmospheric atomic oxygen beam is effective in removing through oxidation organic materials that are typical of graffiti or other contaminant defacements which may occur to the surfaces of paintings.