Dielectronic Recombination: A Crossed-Beams Observation and Measurement of Cross Section

Abstract
Dielectronic recombination has been directly observed with use of crossed beams of electrons and Mg+ ions. Measurements were made of delayed coincidences between the stabilizing photon near 280 nm and the resultant neutral atom, and cross sections were determined. Theoretical cross sections are more than a factor of 5 smaller than those measured.