CHARGE-EXCHANGE WITH ION EXCITATION IN COLLISIONS OF HELIUM-IONS WITHMERCURY ATOMS

The process of charge exchange with ion excitation is investigated the oretically. A multielectron and multichannel theoretical model of the process is proposed. The important point of the model is the determina tion of matrix elements of exchange coupling. The formulae for calcula tions of two-electron exchange coupling are obtained and discussed. Th e model is applied to collisions of helium ions with mercury atoms at thermal energies. The matrix elements of exchange coupling, the adiaba tic potential energies, the partial cross section and the partial rate constant for the process under consideration are calculated. The matr ix elements of exchange coupling are mainly determined by electron cor e interactions. The effective potentials are used for these interactio ns. The calculated partial rate constant for excitation of Hg+(7p P-2( 3/2)) is 1. 16 x 10(-10) cm3 s-1 and agrees with the experimental valu e.