O − formation from O2 via Rydberg–Rydberg electron transfer

Abstract

We report the first clear evidence of dissociative electron attachment involving electron capture by a Rydberg molecule from another Rydberg molecule. We observed the formation of O− from excimer-laser-irradiated O2 in the presence of toluene (or benzene). Results indicate that O− is formed via electron capture by Rydberg states of O2 molecules from high Rydberg states of the hydrocarbon molecules.