Charge transfer of 0.2-5.0 keV protons and hydrogen atoms in sodium-, potassium- and rubidium-vapour targets

Abstract

Total cross sections sigma +0 and sigma +- for single- and double-electron capture by protons, and total cross sections sigma 0- and sigma 0+ for single-electron capture and single-electron loss by neutral hydrogen atoms in single collisions with atoms of sodium, potassium and rubidium have been measured in the energy range 0.2-5.0 keV. All electron capture cross sections show a maximum at an energy which depends on the energy defects of the reaction. The electron loss cross sections increase monotonically with increasing collision energy. The results are discussed and compared with previous measurements and theoretical calculations. Some of the cross sections show considerable discrepancies with previous measurements.