Cross sections for excitation of atomic hydrogen to then=2, 3, and 4states by 15-200-keV protons

Abstract

Cross sections for the processes ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}+\mathrm{H}\left(1\mathrm{}s\right)\to {\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{H}}^{*}$($n=2, 3, 4$) have been extracted from the energy-loss spectra of 15- to 200-keV protons by using a spectrum-fitting technique. Absolute cross sections have been obtained by normalization of the spectra to the theoretical cross section through the use of the Born approximation at 200 keV. The cross-section curves are very similar in shape with maxima at 60 keV. The results have been compared with available theoretical calculations. The $n=2$ and $n=3$ cross-section measurements are in very good agreement in curve shape with Glauber-approximation calculations.