Resonant charge transfer of 3He2 + with 4He(1s2) at energies below 1 eV

Abstract

The rate coefficient of resonant charge transfer between 3He2 + and 4He, at energies below 1 eV, was measured using an rf ion trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We obtain a resonant charge transfer rate coefficient of 5.9 ± 0.6 × 10−10 cm3 s−1 at an equivalent temperature of 1200 K. The measured value compares favourably to existing calculations. This measurement extends our knowledge to a broader spectrum of energies as it provides information on the rate coefficients at a low energy and adds to our understanding of the charge transfer process of 3He2 +, α-particles, with He encountered in astrophysics and nuclear fusion.