Molecular-beam studies of Penning ionization

摘要: Molecular-beam experiments have exposed a new wealth of detail on the general reaction ${A}^{*}+B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}A+{B}^{+}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ first suggested by Penning in 1927. The capabilities not available to traditional swarm techniques include mass and electron spectroscopy products angle-resolved measurements scattering both reagents products. These results stimulated recent development electronic structure dynamical theories necessary for first-principles description at least simplest these reactions, those involving small atomic diatomic species $B$. Recent progress experiment interpretation is critically reviewed, prospects attaining global understanding ionization larger systems are assessed.