Population distribution subsequent to charge exchange of 29.85keV Ni+ on sodium vapor

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part B: Atomic spectroscopy 2015-11, Vol.113, p.16-21
• Main Authors: Ryder, C.A., Minamisono, K., Asberry, H.B., Isherwood, B., Mantica, P.F., Miller, A., Rossi, D.M., Strum, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic population; Cascades; Charge exchange; Collinear laser spectroscopy; Decomposition; Low energy; Metastable state; Nickel; Simulation; Sodium vapor; Three dimensional
• ISSN: 0584-8547; 1873-3565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2015.08.004

The population of low-energy metastable states in Ni I subsequent to charge-exchange reactions and cascade decay was studied for 29.85keV Ni ions impinging on a sodium vapor. The charge-exchange cross sections were calculated using a semi-classic time-dependent perturbation theory and redistribution of the population via rapid spontaneous decays was simulated. Collinear laser spectroscopy experiments were performed on four emission lines in Ni I to determine populations in low-energy metastable states: 3d94s3D3 (204.787cm−1), 3d94s3D2 (879.816cm−1), 3d94s3D1 (1713.087cm−1) and 3d94s1D2 (3409.937cm−1). Fair agreement was obtained between the simulation and experimental results. The low-energy metastable states were preferentially populated after the cascade decay in contrast to weak populations in near-resonant high-energy states in Ni I. •Low-lying metastable states are populated in charge-exchange of 30keV Ni+on sodium.•Population distribution agrees with theoretical calculation and simulated results.•Obtained knowledge has an impact on low-rate radioactive isotope experiments.•The framework helps in planning experiments leading to new physics properties.