Formation of O2 ions in K(nd)-O2 collisions at intermediate n

Abstract
Rate constants for the formation of O2 ions in collisions between K(nd) Rydberg atoms and O2 have been measured for values of n in the range 812. The measured rate constants are small and decrease from ∼5×1012 cm3 sec1 at n=8 to ∼1×1012 cm3 sec1 at n=12. The data are consistent with a reaction model in which Rydberg electron attachment leads to the formation of short-lived excited O2 ions, some of which are subsequently stabilized by an interaction with the core ion.