Direct observation of K+⋯Cl− heavy-Rydberg ion-pair states formed in K(np)/CCl4 collisions

The formation of K+⋯Cl− heavy-Rydberg ion-pair states through dissociative electron transfer in K(np)/CCl4, n = 16–50, collisions is examined, the product ion-pair states being detected directly through electric field-induced dissociation. The results are analyzed with the aid of a Monte Carlo collision code that models both initial Rydberg electron capture and the subsequent evolution of the ion pairs. The data demonstrate the production of long-lived (τ ≫ 10 μs) high-angular-momentum K+⋯Cl− ion-pair states and suggest that Rydberg atom collisions can generate a wide variety of heavy-Rydberg species facilitating study of their physical and chemical properties.