TRIPLE-ELECTRON CAPTURE BY FAST-MOVING DOUBLY-CHARGED IONS IN SINGLE COLLISIONS WITH XENON ATOMS

The results of an investigation of triple-electron capture by fast-mov ing (6 keV translational energy) O2+ and Cl2+ ions in single collision s with xenon atoms are reported. Although the negative-ion yields were low, repeated scanning and signal averaging gave spectra with accepta bly high signal-to-noise ratios. Peaks in the spectra were observed wh ich, from their energy spacings, were interpreted in terms of triple-e lectron-capture reactions in which projectile ions in their ground ele ctronic states, in single collisions with xenon atoms, generated Xe3ions in various electronic states.