Electron ionization of He+and the destruction of He2+by charge transfer processes in a space-charge trap

The method developed by Baker and Hasted to study electron-ion collision has been applied to the electron-helium-ion collision. Helium ions were trapped in the space charge of a magnetically confined electron beam and the reactions taking place were studied using a mass spectrometer. The ionization of He + has been clearly demonstrated. The destruction of He 2+ ions in the trap, probably by radiative charge transfer, He 2+ +He -> He + +He + + hv has also been shown to take place.