Vector Polarisation Analysis for Quasi-Two-Electron Systems: Mg-Inert Gas Collisions

Abstract

Results of photon-scattered atom coincidence measurements are presented for Mg-inert gas collisions. A polarisation analysis of the collision induced Mg(31p-31S) photons emitted perpendicular to the scattering plane was carried out at 1 keV collision energy as a function of the impact parameter. From these data the quantum-mechanical scattering amplitudes for the excitation of one of the two available Mg 3 s-valence electrons are derived. The results are compared with the corresponding ones for the Mg+-inert gas collisions. A good qualitative understanding of the mechanism can be obtained.