Charge transfer in cluster-atom collisions

Abstract

\n \nCharge transfer in collisions Na$_n^+$ + Cs \n$\\longrightarrow {\\rm Na}_n + {\\rm Cs}^+$ \n($4\\le n \\le 11$) is investigated theoretically within \na microscopic framework. It is shown that an \nunderstanding of the measured charge transfer \ncross-sections can be obtained only if\nthe competing reaction channels \n(electronic excitations and fragmentation) are \ntreated simultaneously and, in addition, if the initial \ntemperature of the clusters in the beam is taken into \naccount. The energy dependence of the cross-sections is \npredicted. An exotic charge transfer channel producing \nCs- is found to have a finite probability.\n \n