HIGH-PRESSURE INVESTIGATIONS OF POSITIVE ION MOLECULE REACTIONS IN PURE SULFUR-HEXAFLUORIDE AND IN A MIXTURE OF SULFUR-HEXAFLUORIDE AND ARGON/

The results of investigations of positive ion/molecule reactions in pu re sulfur hexafluoride and in a mixture of sulfur hexafluoride with ar gon are presented. The essential purpose of this paper is to examine t he mechanisms by which positive ions are formed in SF6 and in mixtures of SF6 and argon. Relative values of the ion currents have been deter mind as a function of gas pressure in the ion source, and of the conce ntration of SF6 in the gaseous mixture with argon. Measurements were p erformed by use of a mass spectrometer with a high pressure ion source constructed by the authors. The reaction rate constant for SF5+ ions in pure sulfur hexafluoride was determined.