Dissociation dynamics of ion-pair states accessed by low-energy electron collisions

Abstract

Ion-pair states are the superexcited states of the neutral molecule that dissociate as a pair of positive and negative ions. These states are generally present near the ionization continuum of the molecule. Ion-pair states can be accessed by using photoexcitation or by using the electron collision technique. Different photoexcitation techniques are widely used over the years to study the threshold (Threshold ion-pair production spectroscopy) and the dynamics (Ion-pair imaging spectroscopy) of the ion-pair states. However, the electron collision technique is ignored over the years and only a few studies are available. In this review, we will discuss different experimental techniques to probe ion-pair states by using electron collision and also the dynamics of the ion-pair states that are accessed by the electron collision.