Electron capture by slow multicharged ions in atomic and molecular hydrogen

Measured cross sections for electron capture by a variety of multiply charged ions in collisions with atomic and molecular hydrogen are presented. The data are primarily for He-like and Li-like ions of B, C, N, and O in the velocity range 0.4-1.0 × ${10}^8$ cm/sec. The electron-capture cross sections for these ions are typically 3 × ${10}^{-15\mathrm{}}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ in the velocity range tested. Comparison is made between these data and a number of recent theoretical predictions. While no simple scaling rules apply to these low-velocity data, for initial charge $q\ge +4\mathrm{}$ the cross sections are essentially characterized by initial ionic charge rather than by projectile mass or electronic structure.