Collision spectroscopy of open-shell systems. I. C+-Ne collisions

The C + -Ne collision has been studied in the 500-2000 eV laboratory energy range. Using the energy-loss technique, the various inelastic channels are identified and the relative excitation probability is determined as a function of the reduced scattering angle. Excitation of C + and electron capture into the ground-state configuration are the dominant processes, contrasting with the weak excitation of the neon atom. A quasimolecular description of the collision mechanisms is attempted to provide a qualitative basis for the interpretation.