Charge-exchange processes in collisions between protons and rare gases. I. H++Xe

Abstract

Charge-exchange processes in the H+Xe system have been investigated in the ranges 0.2< theta <3 deg., 60<or=E<or=600 eV. Time-of-flight analysis of the scattered neutrals, allows the identification of the lowest electron-transfer channels. Charge exchange into higher excited states is observed. The relative differential cross sections exhibit an oscillatory behaviour as a function of the product E theta . The interpretation is carried out in the quasi-molecular framework. Theoretical investigation of the H(1s)+Xe+(2P32,1/2/) channels involves the three lowest mod Omega =0+) states of the (XeH)+ molecule. Differential cross sections are calculated using the Landau-Stueckelberg approximation and the solutions of three quantal close-coupled equations. The structures in the differential cross sections are attributed to inelastic rainbow effects and to Stueckelberg-type interferences.