FORMATION OF AUTOIONIZING STATES OF HELIUM IN COLLISIONS WITH PROTONS

We have performed semiclassical, coupled-channel calculations of the autoionization of He, induced by protons with energies in the range 33 less than or equal to E(p) less than or equal to 150 keV. For E(p) less than or similar to 100 keV, we find that it is essential to include charge transfer, dominated by electron capture to the H(1s) ground state. The level of agreement with measurements is generally unsatisfactory over the entire range of energies considered. Where comparison can be made with the recent calculations of Martin and Salin, some disagreements are also apparent. The possible reasons for these discrepancies are considered, and the need for further experimental and theoretical work is emphasized.