Transition state spectroscopy with electrons

Abstract

We show that the evaluation of electron energy spectra which result from autoionization of a collision complex may result in rather detailed information on the electronic structure and on the dynamics of the complex. Using a simple ansatz for the potential surface of the (He⁺ + Cl₂/^-) complex we have determined the potential parameters by reproducing experimental electron energy spectra with the aid of classical trajectory calculations. The achieved agreement between calculated and experimental data is satisfying. Results of rather different types of measurements can be explained, i.e. electron spectroscopy, electron-ion coincidence measurements, optical fluorescence spectroscopy.