H-3(+) vibrational frequencies from ion impact spectroscopy

Inelastic energy losses in the collisions of Hi with Ne have been measured in a beam apparatus designed to direct mass analyzed, low energy ion beams onto target molecules and scan the energy, mass, and angular distributions of charged interaction products. The experimental energy loss spectra at small scattering angles correspond to that expected for vibrational excitation of H-3 (+). Frequencies obtained from these inelastic energy loss data are found to agree with the quantum mechanical calculations of Christof-fersen and of Schwartz. and Schaad. Transitions involving doubly degenerate H-3(+) bending modes are dominant under the conditions of these experiments.