Dunning, F. B.2009-06-042009-06-042004Suess, Leonard. "Comparative studies of negative ion formation in Rydberg atom collisions with attaching and polar targets." (2004) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18709">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18709</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18709Low-energy electron transfer in collisions between a Rydberg atom and a target molecule can result in the formation of negative ions. Depending as to the properties of the target molecule the electron may be bound in a localized molecular orbital (valence-bound) or bound by its dipole potential in a diffuse orbital located at the positive end of the dipole (dipole-bound). Here we examine the properties of valence-bound and dipole-bound negative ions created through electron transfer in collision with Rydberg atoms, in particular, their lifetimes, collisional properties and electric-field-induced detachment characteristics. Intercomparison of the various data also leads to new insights into electron attachment to molecules that can support both valence-bound and dipole-bound negative ion states.107 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 physicsOpticsThesisTHESIS PHYS. 2004 SUESS