Inner-shell electron capture mechanisms in slow He2+ + CO and O7+ + CO collisions
Résumé
Electron capture in slow He2+ + CO and O7+ + CO collisions has been studied using Auger electron spectroscopy. Electrons ranging from 1 to 500 eV were detected. In addition to the Auger electrons originating from the projectile following multiple electron capture, Auger electrons are emitted from the CO target. For the system O7+ + CO, K Auger electrons of the CO target are observed, providing evidence for a core excitation of the target. In contrast with collisions involving O7+ projectiles, no CO-K Auger emission appears in He2+ + CO collisions. Hence, for He2+ + CO collisions, no target-core excitation has been observed. However, Auger electrons whose energies are lower than 10 eV are observed, originating from the capture of 3σ inner valence electrons from CO. In addition to the capture of these electrons, it is shown that the target may be left in highly excited states. The present results are understood using simple orbital diagrams.