Energetics of HeH+ Formed in H2+–He Collisions

Abstract

Kinetic‐energy distributions of forward‐scattered HeH⁺ ions resulting from H₂⁺–He collisions have been experimentally determined for H₂⁺ laboratory kinetic energies in the range 1.7–12.5 eV. These distributions have two main peaks over most of this primary ion energy range. The lower‐energy peak which appears to correspond to completely inelastic collisions is believed to result from enhanced collection efficiency, a conclusion which is supported by energetic considerations. The behavior of the higher‐energy peak, which corresponds to ions formed in the forward direction (center of mass), is consistent with theoretical calculations for the HeH⁺ species.