Energy and polarization dependence of chemi-ionization processes inK(42 P 3/2)−K(42 P 3/2) collisions

Using crossed molecular beams we have investigated ionizing collisions between potassium atoms in their 4² P _3/2-states, leading to the exit channelsK ₂ ⁺ +e ^?,K ⁺+K ^?, andK(4² S _1/2)+K ⁺+e ^?, respectively. Measurements of the total ionization cross section as well as of the cross sections for the individual channels are reported as a function of both the relative collision energy (0.2 to 2.4 eV) and the angle between the electric field vector of the exciting laser light and the relative velocity vector. The results are interpreted in terms of the molecular states of theK ₂ ^* quasi molecule which are involved in the ionization process.     

Separated projectile and targetK x-ray production in symmetric heavy ion collisions as a function of the target thickness

Cross sections for projectile and targetK x-ray emission have been measured as a function of the target thickness for the symmetric systems Ni-Ni, Cu-Cu, Nb-Nb, Ag-Ag at energies between 75 and 105 MeV. The projectileK x-rays were separated from the target ones by using the Doppler shift. K_α and K_β energy shifts and K_β to K_α intensity ratios were also determined and used to calculateM- andL-ionization and the correspondingK-fluorescence yield for both collision partners. At non vanishing small target thicknesses, the targetK-vacancy production cross section is generally larger than that of the projectile. By analysing the target thickness dependence of the cross sections with a two component model which takes also into account the evolution of the projectileM-,L- andK-shell population inside the solid, targetK-vacancy sharing and cross sections forKK electron capture in symmetric systems could be determined. These results are in good agreement with molecular orbital model predictions.     

Electron impact and single photon ionization cross sections of neutral silver clusters

Neutral silver atoms and small clusters Ag _n (n=1...4) were generated by sputtering, i.e. by bombarding a polycrystalline silver surface with Ar⁺ ions of 5 keV. The sputtered particles were ionized by a crossed electron beam and subsequently detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. In alternative to the electron impact ionization, the same neutral species were also ionized by single photon absorption from a pulsed VUV laser (photon energy 7.9 eV), and the photoionization cross sections were evaluated from the laser intensity dependence of the measured signals. By in situ combining both ionization mechanisms, absolute values of the ratio σ _e (Ag _n )/σ _e (Ag) between the electron impact ionization cross sections of silver clusters and atoms could be determined for a fixed electron energy of 46 eV. These values can then be used to calibrate previously measured relative ionization functions. By calibrating the results using literature data measured for silver atoms, we present absolute cross sections for electron impact ionization of neutral Ag₂, Ag₃ and Ag₄ as a function of the electron energy between threshold and 125 eV.     

Calculation of photoionization cross sections of Na2–8 and K2–8 clusters

Analysis of free metal clusters studied with photoionization mass spectrometry or photoelectron spectroscopy requires theoretical predictions of the photoionization cross sections to gain a deeper physical understanding. Calculated energy-dependent photoionization cross sections of Na_2–8 and K_2–8 clusters are presented in this study. The ground state electronic structure of the clusters are calculated using the Local Spin Density method (LSD) which is also the starting point for the cross section calculation with the continuum multiple scattering method. A basic analysis of the photoionization process is given within the independent electron picture. Strong resonances are predicted in the UV cross sections (5–10 eV) of K_3–8 but not for Na_3–8, interpreted as shape resonances, i.e. quasibound states in which electrons are trapped by a potential barrier. Unfortunately experimental data are only known close to the ionization threshold and a comparison between our values and experimental data in a broad energy range is not possible.     

Absolute cross sections for electron impact ionization of Ag2

The previously measured relative cross section function for electron impact ionization (EII) of neutral Ag₂ has now been calibrated quantitatively by combining the electron impact ionization with in situ non resonant two photon ionization (NR2PI). By comparing the NR2PI saturation intensities measured for Ag ₂ ⁺ and Ag⁺ with the corresponding EII intensities, the ratio between the electron impact ionization cross sections (EIICS) of neutral Ag₂ and Ag was determined to be σ_Ag2/σ_Ag=1.53 for an electron energy of 46 eV. This result agrees well with the geometricn ^2/3-rule \((\sigma X_n \sim n^{2/3} )\) commonly proposed for the dependence of the EIICS of clustersX _n on the cluster sizen.     

Collisional ionization of highly excited neon atoms by nonpolar hydrocarbons

When benzene, acetylene and ethylene were allowed to collide with Ne Rydberg atoms (17?n?40), significant Ne⁺ ions were observed. Their cross sections were estimated, with reference to the ionization by H₂O, to be as large as 10^?14–10^?15 cm². However, no Ne⁺ signals were observed when ethane, methane and N₂ were used as targets. Theoretical estimates of the cross sections for ionization by interaction of the quadrupole moment and polarizability of the first three molecules are several orders of magnitude smaller than the experimental cross sections given above. A similarity of this phenomenon to the scattering of a thermal electron by benzene etc., observed by Christophorou et al., is suggested.     

L-shell ionization in Au by O5+-and Ni5+-ion impact

TheL X-ray production cross sections in gold by 60 to 72 MeV O⁵⁺ ions and 58 to 87 MeV Ni⁵⁺-ions have been measured. TheL-subshell ionization cross sections derived from these experimental results have been compared with the direct ionization theories viz. plane wave Born approximation (PWBA) theory and modified perturbed-stationary-state theory with energy loss, Coulomb deflection and relativistic effects (MECPSSR). A new procedure has been described to account for the change in the yield ratioLβ₁/Lβ_{2, 15} with energy, for Ni⁵⁺-ion impact on gold. TheL sub-shell ionization cross sections have been derived fromLβ₁,Lβ₄ andLβ_{2, 15} lines of theLβ group in addition to those calculated by the conventional Datz TRY3 technique usingLα,Lγ₁ andLγ_{2, 3} X-ray lines. From the shift in the energies of variousL X-ray lines and changes in their intensities, 3 and 5 spectator vacancies in theM- andN-shells in gold have been estimated with O⁵⁺-ion impact while 7, 20 and 4 to 6 spectator vacancies have been inferred in theM-,N-andO-shells respectively with Ni⁵⁺-ion impact in the energy range of the projectiles undertaken in the present studies.     

Theoretical study of positron scattering by group 14 tetra hydrides: A quantum mechanical approach

The present work provides a comprehensive set of positron impact scattering cross sections for group 14 tetrahydrides, namely, SiH₄, GeH₄, SnH₄, and PbH₄. The well‐established spherical complex optical potential and complex scattering potential‐ionization contribution methods are modified to incorporate positron scattering in the present work to calculate various cross sections. The positronium formation channel is adequately included through an improved inelastic threshold. The energy range chosen for the direct ionization cross section is from the respective ionization potential (I) of the molecule to 5 keV. Likewise, positronium formation and total ionization cross sections are reported from the positronium formation threshold to 300 eV and 5 keV, respectively, and the total cross section is computed for an extensive energy range of 1 eV to 5 keV. The positron impact total cross section for stannane molecule is computed for the first time. A characteristic valley is observed in the total cross sections with minima close to the positronium formation threshold. Further increase of cross section signifies the opening of inelastic channels especially positronium formation. In general, a reasonable agreement is found between the present results and other comparisons, wherever available. Furthermore, this is the first report of the inelastic cross sections (direct ionization, positronium formation, and total ionization) for the present set of targets.     

Relaxation cross section measurements on NH3 and lower state focussing in a beam maser

Scattering cross for the lower state of the J=3, K=2 inversion doublet of NH₃ were measured using a beam maser spectrometer. The observed relaxation cross sections were the same as those obtained previously for the upper inversion state. These results support previous interpretations of observed relaxation cross sections for coherent superposition states. A coaxial electrostatic focusser state selector for beam maser spectroscopy which provides efficient focussing of states with a negative Stark effect is described.     

Transfer of state multipoles in excited A 1Σ+u7Li2 following rotationally inelastic collisions with He: Experiment and theory

Circularly polarized dye laser radiation is used to prepare rotational levels j = 1 to j = 20 of the A ¹Σ⁺_u excited state of ⁷Li₂ with well defined values of the state multipoles K = 0, 1 and 2. Inelastic collisions with helium atoms populate other j levels and we have measured the circular polarisation ratio of emission, C, from these levels. C is plotted versus final j′ for each value of Δj from +2 to +18 and a family of curves is obtained which may be used as a critical test of current theories. The results are interpreted in terms of cross sections σ^K for transfer of the state multipoles under isotropic collision conditions. The observation of substantial polarisation following inelastic collision indicates that the σ^K are dominated by certain restricted scattering channels. Relative magnitudes of the multipole cross sections are calculated using the “l-dominant”, “restricted Δm_j channels” nd the Born approximation. These cross sections are then used to calculate C.     

Measurement of impact parameter dependent probabilities and total cross sections for targetK-shell ionization by He+ ions

We have measured the impact parameter dependent K-shell ionization probabilitiesP _K (b) of Ca, Cr and Cu from collisions with 4.04 MeV He⁺ ions by particle-K X ray coincidences. A dependence on the target thickness was investigated to study a possible influence of multiple collisions onP _K (b). We measured the total cross section σ _K forK vacancy production simultaneously withP _K (b) and σ _K agrees within 30% with the integratedP _K (b). A comparison of theP _K (b) and σ _K with SCA calculations of Trautmann et al. using RHFS wavefunctions for united atom and separated atom states is discussed.     

Measurement of L x-ray production cross sections by 60 keV photons and average L shell fluorescence yields of lanthanides

L x-ray production cross sections have been measured for lanthanides with 60 keV. The measured L x-ray production cross section values for the lanthanides are in good agreement with the theoretical ones evaluated using L _i subshell fluorescence yields ω_i, Coster-Kronig transition probabilities ? _ij based on the Relativistic-Hartree-Slater theory, K to L _i subshell vacancy transfer probabilities n _KLi, fractions of the ratiative width of the subshell F _ny and L _i subshell photoionisation cross section σ_Pi. The average L shell fluorescence yields ω_L have also been derived using the presently measured total L x-ray production cross section values and the theoretical K to L shell vacancy transfer probabilities. These results are compared with theoretically predicted values.     

A method to determineL-subshell ionization cross sections for medium and heavy elements

We have developed a method to determineL-subshell ionization cross sections and report here on the first measurements of electron inducedL-subshell cross sections for target elements (29≦Z≦79) at electron bombarding energies between 50≦E ₀≦200 keV. The method involves the detection of characteristic X rays by means of a high resolution flat crystal spectrometer of known reflectivity and is based on the correlation of measured X ray intensities, Auger- and Coster-Kronig yields and radiative transition probabilities with theL-subshell cross section.     

A critical evaluation of low-energy electron impact cross sections for plasma processing modeling. II: Cl4, SiH4, and CH4

The available information on low-energy electron impact cross sections for CF₄, SiH₄, and CHl is reviewed and critically evaluated. Of interest are the cross sections for momentum transfer, rotational, vibrational, and electronic excitation, dissociation, and attachment and ionization. Recommended cross sections are identified where feasible. Most of the cross sections reviewed have been determined by swarm techniques whereby cross sections are adjusted based on a comparison of predicted and measured electron transport, or swarm, coefficients.     

Charge exchange in alkali cluster collisions

Collisional charge exchange between mass selected alkali cluster ions and Cs has been studied and cross sections have been determined for the processes Na _n ⁺ + Cs and K _n ⁺ + Cs, withn=1–21 andn=1–14, respectively. A strong dependence of the cross sections on the energy defect as well as on cluster size and collision energy is found. The results are analysed by a coupled two state density matrix model, taking account of the relaxation of electronic amplitudes due to interaction with the nuclear motion in the cluster.     

Vibrational excitation cross section and V → T rate constants in molecular hydrogen

Vibrational excitation cross sections are computed for H₂ gas at various collision energies and between the lower-lying levels of the molecule. Only V → T processes are considered, while a quantum mechanical treatment via spherical potentials is implemented and applied. Various suggested potentials have been used and the corresponding results critically compared. The low-energy behaviour of the σ_{1 → 0} cross sections, and their orders of magnitude, appear to be in agreement with “experimental” deconvoluted data. Relaxation and excitation rates are computed and the K_1-0 (T) is examined over a wide temperature range to allow comparison with experiments. While the high temperature results are in fair agreement with the available data, the pure V - T mechanism of the present model seems to overestimate low-T rates as a consequence of the increase of (1 → 0) computed ross sections when bringing E_coll very near the lowest, υ = 1, threshold.     

Radiative electron capture into theK-, L- andM-Shell of decelerated,hydrogenic Ge projectiles

Radiative Electron Capture (REC) in 4 to 12 MeV/u Ge³¹⁺→H₂ collisions has been studied using an X-ray/particle coincidence technique. This technique allowed a systematic investigation ofK-shell REC as well as a separation of REC into the projectileL- andM-shells. The cross sections are discussed within a general scaling picture based on the reduced projectile velocity.     

Threshold behavior of laser ionization spectra for small potassium clusters

One-photon ionization profiles in the threshold region have been obtained for potassium clusters K_x(3 ⩽ x ⩽ 8) in a crossed laser molecular beam coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Different behavior in ionization potential profiles, between odd- and even-numbered clusters is shown. This gives evidence for a dimerization effect for K₄, K₆ and K₈.     

Characteristic and non-characteristic X-ray emission from SF6 and SO2 molecules by electron impact

Cross sections for K-shell ionization of sulphur in collisions of electrons with kinetic energies of 3.5–14.0 keV with SF₆ and SO₂ gases have been measured. In addition, the impact energy dependence of the bremsstrahlung radiation emitted at different photon energies was investigated. The experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations in plane wave Born approximation and with the available semi-empirical models.