Theoretical investigation of the hypothesized crossing between the Penning and atomic autoionizing states of He+K

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.39.2715· OSTI ID:6397039

Padial, N T; Martin, R L; Cohen, J S; Lane, N F

The Penning ionization interaction He(12s/sup 3/S)+K(3p/sup 6/4s) and the atomic autoionizing state interaction He(1s/sup 2/)+K(3p/sup 5/4s/sup 2/) have been determined in a configuration-interaction calculation utilizing a basis set designed to treat these two states equitably. In contrast to an earlier calculation, the corresponding two potential curves are found not to cross. This finding puts in question the original speculation that the observed large He/sup */+K ionization cross section is due partially to collisional excitation of atomic states that subsequently autoionize. However, the calculated Penning ionization cross section is still in agreement with the experimental measurement.

• Research Organization: Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 6397039
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Vol. 39:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
HELIUM
ATOM-ATOM COLLISIONS
POTASSIUM
AUTOIONIZATION
CONFIGURATION MIXING
CROSS SECTIONS
DIAGRAMS
IONIZATION
METASTABLE STATES
PENNING EFFECT
POTENTIAL ENERGY
ALKALI METALS
ATOM COLLISIONS
COLLISIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
FLUIDS
GASES
INTERACTIONS
METALS
NONMETALS
RARE GASES
640304* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Collision Phenomena