CHARGE-TRANSFER AS RESPONSIBLE FOR H-2(+) DISSOCIATION ON ALUMINUM SURFACES

The neutralization rates for resonant capture into the b(3)Z(u)(+) sta te and Auger capture into the X(1)Sigma(g)(+) are calculated for H-2() ions impinging on an aluminum surface. The neutralization of the ion into the b state leaves the molecule in an excited dissociating state , whereas neutralization into the X state leaves the molecule in its s table ground state. In the present work we compare the resonant!Auger population ratio with experimental estimates based on the dissociation of H-2 molecules during H-2(+) and H-2 collisions on surfaces. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.