First Double Excitation Cross Sections of Helium Measured for 100-keV Proton Impact

Abstract

Excitation cross sections of the (2s{sup 2}){sup 1}S, (2p{sup 2}){sup 1}D , and (2s2p){sup 1}P autoionizing states of helium, produced in collisions with 100-keV protons, have been measured for the first time. Using a high resolution electron spectroscopy together with a recently proposed parametrization of autoionizing resonances distorted by Coulomb interaction in the final state makes it possible to extract from electron spectra {ital total cross sections} as well as {ital magnetic sublevel populations.} These new experimental data are briefly compared with out theoretical calculations. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}