Triple-electron capture by fast-moving doubly charged ions in single collisions with xenon atoms

The results of an investigation of triple-electron capture by fast-moving (6 keV translational energy) O2+ and Cl2+ ions in single collisions with xenon atoms are reported. Although the negative-ion yields were low, repeated scanning and signal averaging gave spectra with acceptably high signal-to-noise ratios. Peaks in the spectra were observed which, from their energy spacings, were interpreted in terms of triple-electron-capture reactions in which projectile ions in their ground electronic states, in single collisions with xenon atoms, generated Xe3+ ions in various electronic states.