Single electron capture by Ar 3+ from rare-gas atoms

Abstract

Translational energy spectra for single electron capture collisions of 9 keV Ar 3+ ions with He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe were measured, using a double-focusing mass spectrometer. The data show a clear trend that as target ionization potential decreases, the degree of excitation of the fast product ions increases. There is clear evidence of the presence of first and second metastable states in the primary ion beam. The cross-sections for single electron capture into particular states of Ar 2+, for the collision of Ar 3+ with He, are reported for the impact energy range 6–18 keV.