Chemi-ionization reactions of barium with chlorine clusters: Observation of Cl−m and BaCl+m products (m=1–15)

Abstract

Chemi-ionization reactions from the collision of Ba with (Cl2) clusters are reported. The scattering yields BaCl+m as well as Cl−m cluster ions. Relative integral cross sections for products with m even or odd depend differently on the collision energy. Over the collision energy range studied of a few eV, channels with odd products predominate, and at higher collision energy constant fractions characterize the observed product pattern. Aspects of the collision mechanism involved are discussed. The analysis suggests these reactions to start within the subsystem Ba+Cl2. The corresponding relative cross section has been determined for Ec.m. ≤2.7 eV.