Fast Particle Collision with a Heavy Atomic Target

Joachim Burgdörfer

C.H. Wang, M. Kelley, Sitti Buathong +1 more

The dynamics of formation of heavy-Rydberg ion-pair states through electron transfer in K(np)-SF6, CCl4 collisions is examined by measuring the velocity, angular, and binding energy distributions of the product ion pairs. The results are analyzed with the aid of a Monte Carlo collision code that models both the initial electron capture and the subsequent evolution of the ion pairs. The model simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data and highlight the factors such as Rydberg atom size, the kinetic energy of relative motion of the Rydberg atom and target particle, and (in the case of attaching targets that dissociate) the energetics of dissociation that can be used to control the properties of the product ion-pair states.

M. Cannon, C Wang, F. B. Dunning

The formation of bound heavy-Rydberg ion-pair states through electron transfer in collisions between K( n p) Rydberg atoms and attaching targets is being examined, Measurements show that low- n collisions with a wide variety of targets can lead to formation of bound ion-pair states. Under appropriate conditions a small fraction of these can subsequently dissociate as free ions through internal-to-translational energy transfer, with typical lifetimes of ∼ 1-5 μs.

D. V. Skobelʹt︠s︡yn

Changhao Wang, Michael H. Kelley, F. B. Dunning

Paul S. Julienne