PRODUCTION AND LOSS OF MULTIPLY CHARGED AND MOLECULAR-IONS (KR+, KR2+, KR3+, KR4+, KR2+) IN A KRYPTON HOLLOW-CATHODE DISCHARGE

The formation of the ions Kr+, Kr2+, Kr3+, Kr4+, and Kr2+ and their losses are studied in a low pressure krypton hollow cathode discharge. From the maintenance voltage as dependent on pressure, the electron impact ionization rate is calculated. The loss processes include single and double electron transfer to the high charge states and volume recombination for Kr2+. The following loss rate coefficients are obtained: Kr2+ (k<5×10 -13 cm3s-1), Kr3+ [k=(1.9 ±0.7)×10-11 cm3s-1], Kr 4+ [k≈(1±0.7)×10-10 Cm3S -1], Kr2+ [recombination coefficient α = (5.5±3.5)×10-7 cm3s-1 for T e = 1200°K]. © 1979 American Institute of Physics.