Ionization of Alkali Atoms by Electron Bombardment

Abstract

The relative ionization cross sections of lithium, sodium, and potassium have been measured over an electron energy range of threshold to 500 eV by a crossed-beam technique. The results for sodium and potassium are found to agree with those of previous workers. An attempt is made to correlate the structure observed in the potassium curve to the known energy levels of the atom. While the rubidium curve was not measured in this experiment, structure observed in it by workers workers is discussed.