Single and double electron loss by fast helium atoms in gases

Abstract

Measurements of single and double electron-loss cross sections for He atoms in the gases ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, He, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, Ar, and Kr are reported in the energy range from 0.1 to 4 MeV. The cross sections are determined by the initial-growth method, and the neutral beam is formed by charge transfer neutralization of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ in a He gas. The results on single electron loss in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and He targets have been discussed in an earlier paper and compared with theoretical Born-approximation calculations. The present results are compared with those from other experiments and with available theoretical estimates.