Electronic excitation and electron capture processes in the collision between Rb atoms and Na ions by crossed molecular beams

Cross section dependence on collision energy (0.1–5.0 keV) has been determined for exit channels Rb(5 2P1/2,3/2) and Na(3 2P1/2,3/2, 4 2D5/2,3/2, 5 2D5/2,3/2, 7 2S1/2, 6 2D5/2,3/2) in the Rb+Na+ collision. Branching ratios between different J-components are also reported for the first two channels. Polarisation measurements have made it possible to obtain magnetic cross sections for the Na(3 2P3/2) formation. Results for the first electron capture have been interpreted qualitatively in terms of a linear Landau–Zener–Stückelberg model and ab initio calculations.