Ionization of xenon atoms in selected high Rydberg states by collision with CH3I, C7F14, C6F6, and CH3Br

Abstract

Absolute rate constants for the ionization of highly excited xenon atoms in collisions with CH₃I, C₇F₁₄, C₆F₆, and CH₃Br have been measured and the major charged reaction products have been identified for all but CH₃Br. Theoretical models view such collisions as being dominated by the interaction between the target molecules and the ’’essentially free’’ Rydberg electrons. It is thus predicted that the negative ions produced during collisional ionization are identical to those resulting from free electron attachment, and that the rate constants for collisional ionization are the same as those for free electron attachment. The present data are reviewed in light of these predictions.