Electron detachment and excitation processes in F^--inert-gas collisions

Abstract

The results of a study of electron detachment processes occurring in F--inert-gas collisions in the 10 eV-4 keV laboratory collision energy range are reported. A differential time-of-flight energy loss study of scattered F atoms and an electron spectroscopy study were performed. The differential cross sections for the various processes observed are reported. As in other halogen negative-ion collisions, 'dynamic' effects in the direct detachment process were observed. The relative importance of excitation processes was determined. The production of a series of autodetaching and autoionising states is reported.