New oscillatory structure in electron energy spectra from autoionizing quasi-molecules: Subthermal collisions of He(2/sup 3/S) atoms with He(2/sup 1/S,2/sup 3/S) atoms

Journal Article · Mon Nov 16 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.59.2279· OSTI ID:5512568

Mueller, M W; Bussert, W; Ruf, M H; Hotop, H; Meyer, W

We report the first study of the energy spectra of electrons from autoionizing quasimolecules formed at very low collision energies (E-bar/sub rel/ = 1.6 meV). The electron spectra due to ionizing He(2/sup 3/S)-He(2/sup 3/S) and He(2/sup 1/S)-He(2/sup 3/S) collisions in a single atomic beam show significant structure, which is explained on the basis of accurate new ab initio potentials for the relevant excited states. Fast oscillations due to the interference of incoming and outgoing waves of the heavy-particle motion are observed in both the experimental He(2/sup 3/S)-He(2/sup 3/S) spectrum and the corresponding quantum mechanical calculations.

• Research Organization: Fachbereich Physik der Universitaet Kaiserslautern, D-6750 Kaiserslautern, Federal Republic of Germany
• OSTI ID: 5512568
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 59:20
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
HELIUM
ATOM-ATOM COLLISIONS
AUTOIONIZATION
ATOMIC BEAMS
ELECTRON SPECTRA
EXCITED STATES
MEV RANGE 01-10
MOLECULES
ATOM COLLISIONS
BEAMS
COLLISIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
ENERGY RANGE
FLUIDS
GASES
IONIZATION
MEV RANGE
NONMETALS
RARE GASES
SPECTRA
640304* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Collision Phenomena