Tandem-method for measurement of destruction cross-sections of neutral projectiles at intermediate and high velocities

We have recently presented destruction cross-section data for negative ions obtained with a technique that uses the gas stripper of a tandem accelerator as the collision target. In this work, we develop an extension of that technique to measure destruction cross-sections for neutral projectiles, important parameters to estimate neutral beam attenuation in Heavy Ion Fusion applications. Measurements for the H + N 2 collision system are used to exemplify and discuss the capabilities and limitations of the proposed experimental method.