Dunning, F. B.2009-06-042009-06-041991Popple, Richard Allen. "Investigation of the velocity dependence of free ion production in Rydberg atom collision processes." (1991) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13507">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13507</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13507Experiments to verify a semiclassical model of Rydberg atom collision processes revealed discrepancies between the model predictions and experimental results for the reaction$$\rm K\sp{**}(np)+SF\sb6\to K\sp{+}+SF\sbsp{6}{-*}$$at low to intermediate values of the principal quantum number n (n ${<}{\approx}$ 20). Initial measurements using non-velocity selected Rydberg atoms yielded ion angular distributions that did not agree with model calculations. To explore this further, experiments were initiated using velocity selected Rydberg atoms. These data show that the discrepancy between the model and experiment is due to transfer of energy from the SF$\sbsp{6}{-*}$ ion into translational energy of the product ion pair through a close collision. This process is not included in the semiclassical model. This conclusion is substantiated by study of the dissociative electron transfer reaction$$\rm K\sp{**}(np)+CH\sb3I\to K\sp{+}+CH\sb3I\sp{-*}\to K\sp{+}+I\sp-+CH\sb3$$for which similar energy transfer cannot occur. The data agree well with model calculations.44 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Molecular physicsAtomic physicsThesisThesis Phys. 1991 Popple