X-ray emission measurements following charge exchange between C${}^{6+}$ and H${}_2$

Abstract

Lyman x-ray spectra following charge exchange between C${}^{6+}$ and H${}_2$ are presented for collision velocities between 400 and 2300 km/s (1--30 keV/amu). Spectra were measured by a microcalorimeter x-ray detector capable of fully resolving the C VI Lyman series emission lines though Lyman-$\hat{I}´$. The ratios of the measured emission lines are sensitive to the angular momentum $l$-states populated during charge exchange and are used to gauge the effectiveness of different $l$-distribution models in predicting Lyman emission due to charge exchange. At low velocities, we observe that both single electron capture and double capture autoionization contribute to Lyman emission and that a statistical $l$-distribution best describes the measured line ratios. At higher velocities single electron capture dominates with the $l$-distribution peaked at the maximum $l$.