Low energy H− production by electron collision with small hydrocarbons

• Published in: The European physical journal. D, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, 2012-03, Vol.66 (3), Article 73
• Main Authors: Čadež, I., Markelj, S., Rupnik, Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applications of Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory; Atomic; Atomic and molecular collision processes and interactions; Atomic and molecular physics; Dissociation and dissociative attachment by electron impact; Electron scattering; Exact sciences and technology; Molecular; Optical and Plasma Physics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum Information Technology; Quantum Physics; Regular Article; Spectroscopy/Spectrometry; Spintronics; Topical issue: Electron/Positron Collision
• ISSN: 1434-6060; 1434-6079
• DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2012-20651-2

The production of low-energy H − by electron impact with CH 4 , C 2 H 2 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 and C 3 H 8 has been studied within electron energy range 0−20 eV. The dissociative electron attachment and dipolar dissociation (also known as ion pair production) are contributing to formation of H − in this energy range. A special ion extraction system for collection of low-energy light ions was used. Low-energy H − production rates for all studied molecules are found lower yet similar to those for hydrogen at 14 eV dissociative attachment maximum. A vertical onset of ion yield is observed for the dissociative attachment in CH 4 , C 2 H 2 , and C 3 H 8 . The production rate of H − through the dipolar dissociation is observed to be high in the case of C 2 H 4 .