Cross section for stripping of argon ions in atomic collisions with argon gas at energies from 2 to 15 keV per incident charge

Cross sections for the stripping of one electron from Ar⁺, Ar²⁺, and Ar³⁺ ions in single collisions on argon atoms have been measured. The measurements were made at energies from 2 to 15 keV per incident-ion charge. The growth-rate method has been used to check that the single-collision condition is realized. Cross sections are then deduced. During the collision, incident ions are scattered out of the acceptance angle of the analyzing device: An estimate of losses is made, and corrected cross sections are proposed. Comparisons to previously published data are attempted: For σ1,2 one value at 6 keV exists which is in fair agreement with our value; for σ2,3 our value at 30 keV coincides with the single σ2,3 value existing.