Charge neutralization of He+ ion beams

Abstract

Total charge transfer cross sections for neutralization of He⁺ ion beams have been measured for 1.0–3.0 keV ions. Time‐of‐flight methods have been used to identify the forward scattered He⁰ products from He⁺ interactions with Ar, H₂, N₂, O₂, NO, CO, CO₂, CH₄, C₂H₄ and C₂H₆ targets. Both elastic and inelastic processes were included in the measurement of fast He⁰ products. Total charge transfer cross sections are typically 5–15 Ų for most of the target gases with the exception of H₂ where cross sections are smaller. In the few cases where overlap exists, cross sections measured in the present investigation are in general agreement with previous measurements that have used apparatus designed to collect slow product ions with high efficiency.