Postattachment interactions in K(n d)–SF6 collisions at intermediate n

Abstract
Rate constants for Rydberg atom destruction and for free SF6 ion formation in K(nd)–SF6 collisions at intermediate values of n are reported. The data show that the rate constants for collisional destruction are consistent with those expected on the basis of Rydberg electron attachment to SF6, but that only a fraction of such events lead to an observable SF6 ion. This fraction can, however, be significantly increased by application of an external electric field.