CHARGE-EXCHANGE WITH ION EXCITATION IN COLLISIONS OF HELIUM-IONS WITH MERCURY ATOMS

The process of charge exchange with ion excitation is investigated theoretically. A multielectron and multichannel theoretical model of the process is proposed. The important point of the model is the determination of matrix elements of exchange coupling. The formulae for calculations of two-electron exchange coupling are obtained and discussed. The model is applied to collisions of helium ions with mercury atoms at thermal energies. The matrix elements of exchange coupling, the adiabatic potential energies, the partial cross section and the partial rate constant for the process under consideration are calculated. The matrix elements of exchange coupling are mainly determined by electron core interactions. The effective potentials are used for these interactions. The calculated partial rate constant for excitation of Hg+(7p P-2(3/2)) is 1. 16 x 10(-10) cm3 s-1 and agrees with the experimental value.