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Cross sections for electron-impact excitation out of metastable helium levels

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
Absolute apparent cross sections for electron-impact excitation out of the 2/sup 3/S metastable level of He to the 3/sup 3/S, 4/sup 3/S, 3/sup 3/P, 3/sup 3/D, 4/sup 3/D, 5/sup 3/D, and 6/sup 3/D levels have been measured by a novel method. A beam of metastable atoms from a hollow-cathode discharge is crossed by an electron beam of energy from 3 to 16 eV, and the emission from the excited states is detected. Absolute calibration is made by measuring the ratio of electron excitation cross section to the known optical-absorption cross section and using knowledge of the pertinent branching ratios. Direct electron-impact excitation cross sections for the 3/sup 3/P, 3/sup 3/S, and 3/sup 3/D levels are obtained.
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
OSTI ID:
6271277
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 62:19; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English