Absolute Cross Sections for Multielectron Processes in Slow Arq++ Ne, Ar, Kr Collisions

Absolute cross sections for single and multielectron processes in 1.8 q keV collisions, Ar q+ + B → Ar r+ + B s+ + ( s + r - q )e - have been measured for the targets Ne, Ar and Kr. By means of a coincidence time-of-flight technique, the charge state of the projectile before and after the collision and the charge state of the target ion are determined. The projectile charge ranges from one to nine, while s at most reaches six (Kr), five (Ar) and four (Ne). The experimental technique is discussed and a simple model for absolute cross sections σ q,r s is proposed.