First experimental results from a new high-power electron gun: Electron-impact ionisation of multiply charged xenon ions

Abstract

Synopsis During recent years we have developed a new high-current electron gun for the Giessen electron-ion crossed-beams experiment aiming at an extension of the previously available collision-energy range of 1–1000 eV to 3500 eV. Here, we report on the first measurements of absolute cross sections for electron-impact ionisation of multiply charged xenon ions employing the new electron gun. Comparisons with available experimental and theoretical data from the literature provide convincing evidence that the new electron gun can be operated reliably over the entire design energy-range.