Collisional decomposition of UF−6

Abstract

Absolute cross sections for the collisional decomposition of UF−6 into its three lowest asymptotic channels in collisions with the rare gases have been measured for collision energies ranging from below the threshold for decomposition up to a laboratory collision energy of 500 eV. The product velocity spectra have also been measured for one of the decomposition channels at the highest collision energy. The experimental results are found to be consistent with the predictions of a two-step collision model where the unimolecular decomposition of excited UF−6 ions is described in a statistical framework.