Separation of spin-orbit coupled metastable states of Kr+ and Xe+ by ion mobility

The spin-orbit coupled ground states of Kr+. and Xe+. (RG P-2(1/2) and RG P -2(3/2) RG=rare gas) are separated on the basis of ion mobility. Ion mobili ty separation of Kr+. and Xe+. is based on different interaction potentials of the P-2(1/2) and P-2(3/2), ionic states with helium. The ion mobility i nstrument used for these studies is a novel instrument based on a Fourier-t ransform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The assignment of the s pin-orbit coupled states of Xe+. is consistent with results from charge exc hange ion-molecule reactions of Xe+. with N2O. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.