Total electron detachment cross sections for collisions of negative halogen ions with various molecules for energies around threshold

Absolute total electron detachment cross sections for collisions of Cl^- and Br^- with the molecular targets H₂, D₂, O₂, N₂, CO, CO₂, and CH₄ are presented. In each case, the experimental studies extend from collision energies below the threshold for detachment up to several hundred eV. All systems show detachment thresholds which exceed the electron affinity of the halogen atom involved. Detachment rate constants determined from the measured detachment cross sections are included.