Animated-beam measurement of the photodetachment cross section ofH−

Abstract

The photodetachment cross section of H− was measured using the animated-crossed-beam technique in the 700- to 1064-nm range. The laser beam was repeatedly swept across the ion beam by tilting a fused silica plate in order to eliminate the need for beam profile measurements. After integration of the signal, the cross section was expressed in terms of easily measurable quantities, e.g., the laser power and the ion beam current. The present results are in excellent agreement with previous experiments and compelling theoretical works.